Who may not be designated as an allotee?

An allotee is a person who receives a regular allotment of funds, often in the context of military pay. There are specific criteria that determine who is eligible to be designated as an allotee. In this scenario, both individuals under 16 years of age and anyone who is mentally incompetent are prohibited from being designated as allotees.

Children under 16 lack the legal capacity to manage financial interests independently, making it impractical for them to be responsible for receiving and potentially managing allotments. Similarly, individuals who are considered mentally incompetent are unable to make informed decisions regarding financial matters, which adds further justification for their exclusion from being designated as allotees.

By recognizing that both groups share limitations related to age and mental capacity, it becomes evident why the correct choice encompasses both categories. Therefore, opting for the selection that includes both groups accurately reflects the established criteria for allotment eligibility.