Husband is off to Norfolk for the next five months....well, five months according to the Navy "schedule", in reality it will probably be more like six.  The last few days were spent with packing, text messaging from the guys who already made it to Norfolk and discovered that the rooms they got for the guys didn't have dishes or towels, making lists, and more packing.  Husband is glad he was one of the later ones to leave...at least he has dishes and towels (ha-ha). 

The pay for this wonderful venture is as organized as the Navy can make it.  Husband had to take multiple lessons and answer a quiz before he got his travel card.  Gas (on trips to and from Norfolk, but not IN Norfolk) and groceries are to be charged to the card.  They go through the purchases, pay them off, and give us the extra money in our bank account.

Now, I know, I know.  The more logical among you are saying, "Why doesn't the government just give the guys the money and not bother with having to pay off multiple hundreds of credit cards each month?"  (and that multiple hundred is just for THIS boat...never mind the rest of the Navy). 
You may also be saying, "Why not just ignore the card and take the full amount into your bank account at the end of the month?"  (This would be my choice). 
Because the Navy is requiring them to use the cards.  Don't ask me.  I'm a fan of logic and simplicity.   The Navy (and our government) is not.