Back in the Olde Armye you waited in line and when your turn came you walked briskly up to the Company Commander (or designated officer paying), halted, saluted, and said, "Sir! Private (or whatever) [insert your surname here] reports for pay!" S/he would salute back, count out your pay (in cash!), you'd sign the pay voucher, salute again, do a left face, and face all of those who wanted their deduction from your pay (donations, etc.), and march out with a couple of bucks to last you the rest of the month if you were lucky.

There were Big Guys with Big Guns standing around waiting for you to do something foolish.

Now it's all direct deposit and some of the romance is gone.