On-Base Housing
Most bases have limited on-base housing, so there is usually
a waiting list (sometimes, more than one year!) To qualify
for on-base housing, you must be residing with a dependent
(in most cases, that means spouse or minor children).
The number of bedrooms you'll be authorized to have depends
on the number and age of the dependents residing with you.
Housing varies form base to base. Some bases have very comfortable
and especially pleasant housing while at some bases the housing
is barely adequate.
Typically utilities such as trash, water, gas, and electricity
are provided at no cost. If you have telephone, cable, high
speed Internet, or other such services you must do so at your
own expense. Service members are expected to provide their
own furniture. It is understandable that there are times when
this isn't possible and most bases have furniture that service
members can borrow. Appliances, such as stoves and refrigerators,
are usually provided. Not all base housing units have dishwashers,
clothes dryers, and clothes washers. Most do have hookups
and many bases have laundry facilities close to base housing.
Most dormitories are subject to inspection but normally base
housing units are not inspected. If the unit isn't' kept clean
and there are complaints about sanitation any unit can be
inspected without notice. The military is very specific in
its requirements concerning the outside of base housing. Most
bases inspect the outside on a weekly basis and there are
consequences for noncompliance."Tickets" may be
written for infractions and if you have too many tickets you
may be requested to move off base.
Types of on-base housing
It varies from facility to facility but bases in the states
usually have duplexes. Some have fourplexes. If you are an
officer or senior enlisted members you will probably be assigned
to a duplex or single unit. Some housing units have fenced
in back yards. If you need a fence you can usually get permission
to install one but will be required to take it down when you
move.
It is important to know that you can request to make changes
or improvements to base housing but you must get permission
first. Again, when you leave you must leave the unit in its
original condition. When you move out of base housing the
unit will be inspected and it must be immaculate.
Overseas, on-base family housing units are generally in the
form of high-rise apartment buildings -- kind of like a condominium.
