Everyone in the military is entitled to housing at little
or no cost. You are required to live in the barracksor dormitories
during basic training and job-school.
There are a number
of circumstances that are factored into the housing arrangements
available to a particular service member. Rank, marital status,
and number of dependants are critical elements used in this
process. Those with higher rank or more dependents have more
options. If you are married and living with your spouse and/or
minor dependents, you will either live in on-base housing,
or be given a monetary allowance called BAH (Basic Allowance
for Housing) to live off-base. The amount of BAH is determined
by your rank, location, and whether or not you have dependents.
BAH rates and guidelines will be covered in depth in the March
issue of Army.com Field Report.
When you move to
your first permanent duty station your dependents are allowed
to move there at government expense. If they do not join you
then if there is extra space available in the barracks/dormitories,
you are allowed to live there, and still receive your BAH.
However, now that the military is trying to give all single
people living in the dormitories their own room, most bases
do not have any extra space available in their dormitories.
Therefore, as a married person who has voluntarily elected
not to be accompanied by their dependents, you will likely
be required to live off-base. You will receive BAH for the
area you are assigned to. If you are allowed to live in the
dormitory/barracks, space available, you must be prepared
to move out, with little or no notice, in case the space is
needed (although most commanders/first sergeants will try
to give at least two weeks notice, if possible).
If you are given an overseas assignment and elect not to
be accompanied by your dependents, you can live in the barracks/dormitories
on base, and still receive BAH in order to provide adequate
housing support in the states for your dependent(s).
Dormitories
In an effort to improve living conditions for its members
all the military branches are implementing a program called,
"One-Plus-One" or "Four Plus One." The
One Plus One plan provides two connecting rooms for an individual
service member. One room serving as sleeping quarters and
the other as a den or living room. Some locations provide
a kitchenette also. If a private kitchenette isn't available
the service member will share one with someone else. As with
the kitchenette there may be a private bathroom or the service
member may have to share one with someone else.
Under the "Four Plus One" plan, four members share
a complex. Each has a private sleeping room that connects
to a common living room and kitchen.
Typically a coffee pot and microwave is acceptable however,
items such as hot plates and other cooking appliances are
usually not permitted (except in those with designated kitchen
facilities). Most dormitory rooms in the States have cable
and phone jacks but the service member must pay for these
additional services. If DSL or cable internet are available
in an area it is acceptable to have this service at ones own
expense. Some bases allow you to use your own furniture. Others
are very strict about using the provided Government furniture,
only. Even if you are required to use Government furniture,
you can have your own stereo, television, or computer system.
