What effective date should be used when preparing the HMO1-Start Split Pay Option?

When preparing the HMO1-Start Split Pay Option, the effective date should be set to either the 1st day or the 16th day of the month. This is because the split pay option is designed to align with the Navy's pay periods, which typically start on these specific days. By using these dates, it ensures that pay adjustments synchronize with the military's established payroll schedule. This alignment is crucial for ensuring that personnel receive their pay in a timely manner and that any changes made to their payment options are effective immediately at the start of the pay period.

In contrast, the other date choices do not match the established pay periods or the timing needed for effective payroll management within the Navy's system. The use of the 1st and 16th ensures that there is no gap or delay in processing, providing a smoother transition into the split pay arrangement.