Changes made to LES to reduce identity theft.(Around the Fleet)(Leave and Earning Statements)(Leave and Earning Statements)(Brief Article)

Leave and Earning Statements (LES) for all service members and Defense Department civilians, and paychecks for military retirees will soon have more protection against identity theft.

Over the next several weeks, the Defense Finance and Accounting Service will drop the first five digits of a person's social security number from all hard copy pay statements and checks to guard against identity theft.

"The changes apply to everyone," said Patrick T. Shine, acting director, Defense Finance and Accounting Service. The proposal "originated internally and will be phased in over the next couple of pay periods."

This change is for all hard copy leave and …