Posted on Aug 28, 2018
MAJ All Source Intelligence
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BLUF: I want guaranteed enrollment for my son at a DODEA school in Korea AND continue to draw BAH stateside for my wife and daughter.

My wife and I decided for the benefit of my son's education and the opportunity to live overseas, he should relocate to Korea, where I am currently stationed unaccompanied. I've been able to determine the benefits of my child residing in Korea in Non-CSP status. It is fairly easy to get him a visa with a letter from my Command that he is here residing with me Non-CSP. Also, he would transition to Tricare Select (space available appointments on-post and co-pay off-post, which is manageable). Please keep in mind that I agreed with my branch to stay in Korea for 2.5 years, whether accompanied or not. I was told by the local finance office that if I brought my son to Korea Non-CSP, I would maintain my BAH for the USA, because my spouse and daughter continue to reside there, and I would also continue to get OHA and COLA at the unaccompanied rate for Korea. Basically status quo, except my son lives in Korea with me.

Can I apply for CSP for just my son while continuing to receive BAH for my family residing in the US? The reason for this is that he is guaranteed enrollment at the DODEA school as CSP, whereas, as Non-CSP, he can only attend "space available." Also, he would be a lower category, Category 3, on the wait-list for school. Category 2 includes contractors and their families, even before Non-CSP active duty folks. I do not want to gamble with his education.

Can I bring him here Non-CSP and get a waiver or ETP, due to my agreeing to stay in Korea for 2.5 years, for my son to have guaranteed enrollment at the DODEA school. Who would I even approach for a waiver or ETP to get him higher on the list for school enrollment? Would it be the 8th Army Commander because he is the approval authority for CSP in Korea? Would it be the DODEA Superintendent? Would it be the Garrison Commander? The USFK Commander? I'm fairly sure my argument would be compelling enough to justify guaranteed enrollment, considering length of my tour here is even longer than that of Soldiers in Korea with CSP (24 months).

FYSA, it took me a while to get a straight answer regarding Non-CSP for my kiddo because folks automatically assume you MUST BE CSP in order to have family here. This included folks at Client Legal Services and in the G1, Eighth Army. NOT TRUE. The USFK CSP regulation specifically addresses benefits of CSP vs. Non-CSP. It is possible; however, if your family does relocate to Korea, travel is not reimbursed and you stop receiving BAH for the US. What the regulation does not address is what happens if we decide to separate the family (i.e. the situation I outlined above).

Not sure anybody will have the right answer here, but it is a burning question I have. I'm sure I will be able to track it down tomorrow, but if anybody has experience or expertise in this matter, please chime in. The last thing I want is to run around tomorrow and have folks give me the wrong answer because they don't want to ask the question or assume they know the right answer without doing any research. Thank you.
Posted in these groups: Ac02dfeb Command Sponsorship
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PFC Food Service Specialist
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Please let us know what happened
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SFC Healthcare Specialist (Combat Medic)
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Was there ever any outcome of this story that you would be willing to share? I am wondering the same thing and in the absence of comments I’m reaching back to you Sir.
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