If I live off post as a single soldier can my leadership move me back into the barracks?

PFC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 18 Mar 2021 02:21:43 -0400

I just recently got to my new duty station and they didn't have any space at the barracks as it was being renovated so I got non dependent BAH . I have a place off post and a pet, would my leadership be able to make me move back into the barracks or would I be able to stay off post as I have all my furniture and a pet. And if I were to have to move into the new barracks what would happen to all my stuff and my pet.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 18 at 2021 2:35 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 18 Mar 2021 02:35:50 -0400

Typically if you have already been approved to live off post you will not be told to move back info the barracks unless you give them a reason to ie. late to work or formations all the time, having issues paying your bills, start getting into other trouble that brings attention to yourself and the circumstances of your living situation. Unless your unit has worked out something else for it to just be during the renovation. Just know that when it is time to PCS you will be going back into the barracks unless your new command sends up an ETP for you to do otherwise so I am not necessarily sure acquiring a pet was a good idea so quickly. You should probably ask you NCO before you get to comfortable about the plan for soldiers once the renovation is completed.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 18 at 2021 3:04 AM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 18 Mar 2021 03:04:27 -0400

If you received a statement of non-availability and were approved to move to an off post residence, then you should be fine. Now, if you give them a reason to yank you back to base....and there is room available...then yes they can.

That being said, you really need to speak with your Chain of Command/Support to get specific guidance about this. As for your furniture and pet....if told you have to move back on base into the barracks, you will need to either sell or store all of your goods that you can't fit into the barracks room. As for the pet....your options are to re-home.....or to re-home. No pets allowed in the barracks.

Response by SSG Robert Perrotto made Mar 18 at 2021 3:10 AM

SSG Robert Perrotto — Thu, 18 Mar 2021 03:10:19 -0400

if you have the "non availability" memo, then you should be fine. Do not give them a reason to yank you back into the Barracks when renovations are complete. Speaking truthfully though, when renovations are complete, and there is room available, they CAN yank you back, as BAH for a single soldier under the rank of SSG is wasteful spending when housing is provided and available, at no additional cost to the Army.

Response by SSG Brian G. made Mar 18 at 2021 3:14 AM

SSG Brian G. — Thu, 18 Mar 2021 03:14:13 -0400

Here is the thing. You were approved to live off post ONLY due to a space shortage due to renovations. Once space becomes available, as you are not married or of an appropriate rank, or have dependents, yes your command can decided that you will move into the barracks.

SOP is E-1 to E-4 that are not married are to live in the barracks. It requires command approval to step outside of this and the kicker is that once given, command can revoke that approval at any time.

As to your stuff and your pet? Bluntly? Not the problem of the Army. They did not issue you furniture or a pet. Those are things you chose to acquire. You will be told to either store the furniture or sell it and as to the pet? No, you cannot have it in the barracks. You can board it or have a friend that can look after it take it.

Good news is you already have a place and most commands are loathe to yank a SM back without good cause, but it does happen. Bad news is you are a PFC, low on the totem pole.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 18 at 2021 3:42 AM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 18 Mar 2021 03:42:57 -0400

You're in a good spot as an E3 living off post, like others have said don't give them a reason to pull you back. Make sure you're always on time in the right uniform and performing your best. Keep your place clean and pay your bills on time.

Don't ruin a good thing by giving them a reason to think you don't deserve it.

Response by SPC Cathy Goessman made Mar 18 at 2021 4:02 AM

SPC Cathy Goessman — Thu, 18 Mar 2021 04:02:45 -0400

Are you prepared to provide care for that pet if sent to the field for 30 days on short notice? If not you need to rehome that pet before you are forced to. Do not get anymore animals that you cannot take responsibility for. You are a single enlisted soldier. You can be sent half way across the world for a months long deployment on minimal notice. If you love dogs and cats I suggest volunteering at a local shelter to get your fix. That’s what I did while I was an MP at FT Bliss.

Response by SFC Melvin Brandenburg made Mar 18 at 2021 6:15 AM

SFC Melvin Brandenburg — Thu, 18 Mar 2021 06:15:43 -0400

I would talk with your CoC now. Negotiate not getting yanked into the barracks in exchange for being a model soldier. Explain your situation and live up to your responsibilities. If you don't get what you are looking for, be a model soldier anyway. No shitbag ever had a good relationship with their CoC. You need a good relationship because this won't be the only time you'll need command approval for something you want.

Response by Lt Col Jim Coe made Mar 18 at 2021 12:01 PM

Lt Col Jim Coe — Thu, 18 Mar 2021 12:01:32 -0400

They should let you remain off post as others in this string have said. Be especially careful not to give your leadership cause to require you to move on post. Be super conscientious about being on time, in uniform, every time. If you prove yourself to be a mature and responsible Soldier, you should have no problem.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 18 at 2021 1:44 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 18 Mar 2021 13:44:13 -0400

It's a little more complicated than just grabbing people and pulling them back on base. Your CNA is only good for a year, which is how long your lease should be. If there is barracks space available your post commander will be required to fill that. When they start filling the barracks it will usually be with incoming Soldiers first. Then Soldiers who have expiring CNAs. This is not a command driven decision, who is authorized BAH and under what circumstances is tightly controlled by DFAS

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 18 at 2021 1:52 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 18 Mar 2021 13:52:16 -0400

Can they? Yes. Will they? We don't know - we can't predict the future. I wouldn't worry about it until there's something to worry about.

Response by SSgt Christophe Murphy made Mar 18 at 2021 2:44 PM

SSgt Christophe Murphy — Thu, 18 Mar 2021 14:44:09 -0400

I will answer your question with a scenario.

When I finished the school of Infantry in October 2001 I executed orders to the Marines Barracks in DC. This is before they broke ground on their large annex. They had limited lodging at the barracks and after your first parade season it was customary to move out and get a place in town. Eventually the annex was built and there was eventually appropriate lodging for everyone. When that happened they recalled everyone back to the barracks to include those who were out in town.

Once there is an onbase housing option you will be brought onbase unless there a a reason not to

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 20 at 2021 12:15 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 20 Mar 2021 12:15:55 -0400

Sometimes it is best to let the dog sleep as they say. Most case is if you are a model Soldier, on time and not calling in overslept, your commander and 1SG dont have you on the radar. They are concentrated on who is currently in the barracks and where to put the new Soldiers. Once you have reminded them you are off post they more than likely advise you to prepare moving. The pet, talk to family about taking it in and caring for it for you when the time comes to move into the barracks. Eventually you will have to move in them but dont remind or get in their radar. The commander knows you are getting BAH, he signs for everyone to get paid what they get and verifies all entitlements.

Response by SGT Charles Whited made Nov 6 at 2021 10:42 PM

SGT Charles Whited — Sat, 06 Nov 2021 22:42:48 -0400

Remember your oath and mission come first and have a plan. Get guidance from your chain. Foward think and backward plan.