SGT and above can request for an AER Loan without 1SG or Commanders knowledge.

Regardless if we like it or not it's still a lot better than soldiers running to Omni or Pioneer and getting a 29.99% loan. I think if vetted properly though a unit's command financial specialist to ensure the soldier asking for the AER loan isn't stretching themselves thinner by applying, then who cares who signs the approval to help the trooper out. 

I still see the need for the C.O.C to be informed.  They are responsible for him/her on and off duty and to assist where they can.

Bottom line on this one, it isn't about and shouldn't spark an investigation for an NCO who might need some extra help! &nbsp;As already mentioned, it will occur with or without AER via some high percentage payday loan org. However, the total Soldier Concept comes into play in that leaders who are engaged know what is going on within their ranks so it shouldn't be a surprise when someone has an emergency. &nbsp;It is a request form that requires a simple signature of approval, much like the HHT or HHQ Company Commander signing the BN or BDE Commander's leave form! &nbsp;Checks and Balances need to occur to keep the honest brokers honest! &nbsp;It is not a bad thing to have someone approve a form, heck it might even be that your Commander may have alternate methods of helping resolve the issue with other resources! &nbsp;<div><br></div><div>On the flip side , I wouldn't find this alarming for NCOs above Sergeant First Class to conduct business on their own if it is approved for them to do so! &nbsp;We need to trust and build our NCO Corps up as responsible professionals! &nbsp;I certainly don't counsel Senior NCOs/Junior Officers the same as I would someone that has not earned the same level of responsibility! &nbsp;So I wouldn't expect my supervisor to care much about my financial situation so long as it doesn't interfere with my mission or responsibilities! &nbsp;However, I still have to submit my LES with my leave form which is another check and balance! &nbsp;</div><div><br></div><div>As a former company commander, I had an NCO who wanted to cut corners and began formulating their own memorandums with their signature block to process Soldiers through certain installation procedures or clearing without orders, etc! &nbsp;I found out when I began receiving phone calls from all over the installation! &nbsp;So it goes to show that abuse can exist if there are not proper systems in place to prevent it from occurring! &nbsp;</div>