So, here is MCG's initial crack at an option for an LDA alternative:
Super-FOA.
SFOA will be based on a daily base rate like CLDA and the old FOA - a key difference will be that this base rate is somewhat higher than either the past or current system. In this
SFOA, payment is for actual days in the field but it increments to recognize greater durations of consecutive days as follows:
- First 2 days in the field: 90% x base SFOA rate
- days 3+ in the field: 100% x base SFOA rate
- days 5+ in the field: 105% x base SFOA rate
- days 20+ in the field: 110% x base SFOA rate
- days 40+ in the field: 120% x base SFOA rate
- days 60+ in the field: 150% x base SFOA rate
- Saturdays & Sundays will always be a minimum of 100% x base SFOA rate when they occur in the first 2 days
- Statutory holidays will include a +10% x base SFOA rate
A few other fine detail mechanisms would be required. If a unit takes a long weekend at home in the middle of a two month exercise, the soldiers should not start back at day one when they return, but if a unit is home for every TGIF and weekend during an FTX then that should result in a reset every time.
Unlike other environmental or operational duty allowances (including the current LDA),
SFOA would not recognize an accumulation of points system. However, points will be accumulated for all days at rate of % x base that is being paid. These points will accumulate and be recognized when considering entitlement should members become entitled to a system that does give credit for accumulation of points (so the 5-years-in-a-field-unit Sup Tech is not starting at base rate on posting to a ship).
It is not a perfect mechanism, but I think it addresses the concern of fairness, recognizes that longer field deployments are themselves the cause of greater hardship, and resolves the CM frictions that resulted from LDA. On the down side, I don't know that it would improve soldier satisfaction or be easier to administer ... maybe?
Thoughts?
