US/UK Finance Officer exchange Progran Ends 8/8/8

US-UK Exchange Ends

Recognition of Service Ceremony

US – British Army Exchange Program

Kevin Troller:  Honorary Colonel Finance Regiment

The Defense Finance and Accounting Service held a ceremony in the Pentagon’s Hall of Heroes on August 7, 2008, to end the 43 year history of the exchange program post between the US Army Finance Corps and the British Army’s Adjutant General’s Corp.  The ceremony coincided with the end of tour for Major Mike Sykes who left his current appointment as the DFAS British Exchange Officer on August 8, 2008.

The ceremony included remarks by Mr. Matthew Browne, Defense Finance and Accounting Service (DFAS); Mr. Zack Gaddy, Director of DFAS; Brigadier Phil Jones, British Military Attaché; COL(R) Kevin Troller, Honorary Colonel of the Finance Regiment; MAJ(R) Robert Dibley, Royal Army Pay Corps Association; COL Marlene Fey, Commander US Army Finance Command; and MAJ Mike Sykes, British Exchange Officer.

The exchange program was originally set up in 1965 between the English-speaking nations participating in the American, British, Canadian, and Australian Armies; with a view of enhancing cooperation and understanding between nations.  The current DFAS British Exchange Officer post has been in existence for 43 years and was initially between the US Army Finance Corps and the then British Army’s Royal Army Pay Corps.  On the formation of the Adjutant General’s Corps in 1992, the post was passed to the Staff and Personnel Branch within the UK Army.  Over the years the British Exchange Officer has been assigned to locations including Indianapolis IN, New Orleans LA, and Arlington, VA.

Brigadier Jones, British Military Attaché, commented that both nations continuously monitor the exchange posts to ensure they remain of value to both the individual and to the overall program.  A recent review determined that this particular post with DFAS would not be renewed.  Sad as this decision is, the ceremony focused on the contributions made over the years to the wider mission of adding value to the transatlantic defense relationship and enduring friendships that have been forged both on a personal and professional level.  The UK stands committed to fully supporting the Exchange Program for many years to come.  While the DFAS post has terminated, many new posts have been created in the US that are seen to have greater strategic value between the US and UK.

The ceremony concluded with MAJ Sykes presenting COL Fey with the “Bond of Friendship” certificate and statue to formally recognize the contributions made to both countries by past members of the Army Finance Corps, the Royal Army Pay Corps, and the British Adjutant General’s Corps.  COL Fey in her remarks commented these would be proudly displayed at the US Army Financial Management School to honor the tradition, esprit, and fellowship our nations will forever enjoy.