Does anyone know of any other ways to get BAH without going through the process of an ETP?

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 01 Apr 2021 22:11:47 -0400

I am a SGT(P) and I just pcsd very recently from Hawaii to Fort Jackson on drill orders, in Hawaii I lived in housing for about a year 1/2 on an exception to policy. I’m tracking they don’t carry over from post to post. But the issue I’m running into is I cannot take possession of my HHG because the barracks here are inadequate for the amount of stuff I have. Couch’s, various lawn care equipment, other furniture pieces etc...I kind of foolishly assumed that being promotable and on drill orders would be enough to be entitled to housing. Anyway my question is does anyone know of any other ways to get BAH without going through the process of an ETP since housing only cares about the barracks being full? Also not interested in getting married lol

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 1 at 2021 11:37 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 01 Apr 2021 23:37:38 -0400

Not likely unless the barracks are at 90% occupancy especially being on drill orders. You need to go to transportation and set up storage of the items you won’t be able to take to the Barracks

Response by SSgt Christophe Murphy made Apr 2 at 2021 9:24 AM

SSgt Christophe Murphy — Fri, 02 Apr 2021 09:24:23 -0400

There aren't many options you have to game BAH and barracks occupancy. Either you are married, your rank allows you to live out in the town or the barracks doesn't have occupancy.

I ran into a similar issue when I went to the fleet after Embassy duty. Your best option is to speak with the folks storing your HHG and see if they can hold it long enough for you to make arrangements or just go ahead and get a storage unit.

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 2 at 2021 10:13 AM

MSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 02 Apr 2021 10:13:45 -0400

Go Air Force. After 11 years Army, Army Guard and now Air Force Reserves for 10 years (2 bad years in there from break in service and drill points) I don't know the term Barracks anymore or shared anything LOL.

My phase 2 (MOSQ retraining) was in Fort Sam but because it was not an Air Force base I had full BAH to stay on or off base for 6 months...
This also happened on Coronado Island (NASNI) when I was training in Balboa Hospital.

With that said, as a senior enlisted, even on Air Force bases I stay in literal Hotels compared to what I was used to from the Army days, and they will accommodate housing if needed but you'd have to pay the difference with BAH Type 2/partial BAH.

Response by WO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 2 at 2021 4:19 PM

WO1 Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 02 Apr 2021 16:19:44 -0400

Mostly a comment, unfortunately no solid advice to add here, but I'm very surprised a single E5 drill sergeant has to live in a barracks. That is... Very strange. Otherwise, good luck to you, don't let 'em slide!

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 2 at 2021 4:38 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 02 Apr 2021 16:38:14 -0400

Have you actually contacted the school house to see if you are required to reside in barracks as a Drill Sergeant? I can't imagine the Jackson has many non-trainee barracks since it's almost entirely made up of schools.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 3 at 2021 12:08 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 03 Apr 2021 12:08:41 -0400

Have you contacted your Sponsor at Jackson to ask them if you would be living in the barracks or could get a place off base? They would know right away or could help start the process for any paperwork you would need if you can live in your own place.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 5 at 2021 11:43 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 05 Apr 2021 23:43:42 -0400

I’m pretty certain ETP is the only route, considered you’re single, and I. My experience barracks occupancy still required an ETP if I’m not mistaken, it’s just looked upon as the golden ticket because the justification is plain and simple. I saw a similar situation to yours, SM pcsed from a location which required him to live off post where he acquired furniture and household items, he then PCS’d to WAAF where they placed him in NCO Qtrs, we were able to justify it as a fire hazard.. he got bah.