If my spouse and I are stationed apart, will I be authorized to live in housing (or off post) or will I be required to live in the barracks?

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 06 May 2017 20:41:14 -0400

My wife is joining the Air force and I know we will have a high chance of being stationed far apart. My wife and I have a bunch of furniture and two dogs. My question is, even if we are separated will I still be authorized to live in housing or even rent off post? Or will I be required to move back into the barracks?

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 6 at 2017 8:55 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 06 May 2017 20:55:34 -0400

According to army regulations. You will have to live in the barracks unless your spouse lives with you or within a specific radius of you place of duty. You can apply for an Exemption to Policy if you already live outside of the barracks but that is hard to get unless the barracks are at 95% full or unless you have extenuating circumstances.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 7 at 2017 12:45 AM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 07 May 2017 00:45:09 -0400

Make your peace with living in the barracks

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 8 at 2017 9:56 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 08 May 2017 09:56:28 -0400

I don't know if they still call it this but you would be a geographical bachelor - and those guys always lived in the barracks.

You can live off post but you still have to maintain a barracks room like junior enlisted. I've seen those without BAH live off post but they had to get counseled about they don't get BAH, the cost, what was their plan for finances, etc. And they still had to be signed for a barracks room. I saw that in my first unit at Lewis and at my last one at Riley.

I think the company commander had to approve too.

Response by Sgt David Hesser made May 10 at 2017 1:06 PM

Sgt David Hesser — Wed, 10 May 2017 13:06:15 -0400

Well the Air Force likes people to live off base so she can handle all those things anyway.

Response by TSgt Private RallyPoint Member made May 10 at 2017 1:29 PM

TSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 10 May 2017 13:29:35 -0400

You may not be stationed far apart. Not sure how the Army does it, but if you're mil-to-mil, the Air Force will generally work with the Army to get both of you at the same duty station or at least pretty close to each other. Depending on her job, you may likely end up at a Joint Base (most of the packages I see go through, that's what ends up happening). Now, if one of you has a job that only has a few choices of station, then yeah, you'll have to live in the barracks if they can't work something out distance wise.

Response by SSG James Doherty made May 10 at 2017 1:40 PM

SSG James Doherty — Wed, 10 May 2017 13:40:13 -0400

Have 2 children; each of you keeps one when you are separated and you will not have to live in the B's ever again. This by the way is horrible advice.

Response by CW2 Ernest Krutzsch made May 10 at 2017 3:47 PM

CW2 Ernest Krutzsch — Wed, 10 May 2017 15:47:31 -0400

Your wife joined the Air Force, you can live in the Marriott

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 10 at 2017 3:58 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 10 May 2017 15:58:00 -0400

Why is this pic attached to the article? I'm in this picture.. we were in Afghanistan and had just beat mortal kombat.

I just don't get how it correlates to the barracks. Lol

Response by PO3 Scot Fahey made May 10 at 2017 5:53 PM

PO3 Scot Fahey — Wed, 10 May 2017 17:53:58 -0400

Thinking back, 1979, as a Tenant command, My command had no base housing, and our CO (06 USN Captain) had no desire to have his sailors in Naval Station BEQ's , 2017 I have no clue,

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made May 10 at 2017 5:55 PM

MSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 10 May 2017 17:55:59 -0400

This alone is good reason to be only in the Air Force.

Response by SGT Joseph Gunderson made May 10 at 2017 6:39 PM

SGT Joseph Gunderson — Wed, 10 May 2017 18:39:19 -0400

This question has far too many moving parts to be accurately answered. First off, the military actually really likes to post couples in the same place. That way they only have to pay out BAH in full to the one service member that is the highest rank (or at least the army did it that way). But if by some stupid military will they station you apart from one another it is dependant on your chain of command. I had a one bedroom apartment with my first wife and when we got divorced I was a little ol' E4 with this apartment and really no right to live off post. However, my commander liked me and after I explained that I had all these household goods and stuff he just wrote up the paperwork to allow me to be an exception to the barracks rule as long as I managed to keep afloat amongst all my bills. I did and it went fine. Just like with most things in the military there are always room for exceptions. Really, I would just tell your spouse to request the same duty station as you. More than likely the military will oblige.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 10 at 2017 6:42 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 10 May 2017 18:42:28 -0400

Try or get on a joint base like JBLM

Response by CSM Private RallyPoint Member made May 10 at 2017 7:44 PM

CSM Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 10 May 2017 19:44:37 -0400

If you receive BAH, which you should bring married, you cannot live in the barracks. Even if you have to maintain two households. There are very few exceptions for "all others" and "restricted" tours overseas.

Response by SFC Carlos Cruz made May 21 at 2018 6:11 PM

SFC Carlos Cruz — Mon, 21 May 2018 18:11:11 -0400

SPC Sean Averett, it depends on who will keep the kids! The Army will allow housing if you have your children but if they stay with your wife, you will be in the barracks until you get promoted to SGT when you will be authorized to request off based housing. If barracks are available you will stay until you get SSG, when you are n’t allow to be in the barracks omg good luck.

Response by LCDR Tim McKenzie made May 21 at 2018 7:19 PM

LCDR Tim McKenzie — Mon, 21 May 2018 19:19:30 -0400

Barracks life is easy and cheap. Embrace it. You could be living on a ship.

Response by SGT Thomas Harkins made May 21 at 2018 7:36 PM

SGT Thomas Harkins — Mon, 21 May 2018 19:36:49 -0400

When I was in hood. Somepaper work and CSM kicked out all E4 and above. Reason no room real reason the Bs we had suck balls CSM did not want more then one in Bs room. So all depends on command

Response by PFC Elijah Rose made May 21 at 2018 11:44 PM

PFC Elijah Rose — Mon, 21 May 2018 23:44:50 -0400

I honestly don't know the answer, but a question you should be asking is if anyone will notice that fact if you don't say anything.

Response by LCpl Aaron Freeman made May 22 at 2018 1:54 AM

LCpl Aaron Freeman — Tue, 22 May 2018 01:54:32 -0400

Barracks life ain't that bad!!! I don't know what it's like in the other branches... but, if you have 2 man rooms, it's pretty good in the Corps! It sure beats the hell out of open squadbays, or semi open squadbays, though the semi open cattle stalls were a bit cozy!

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 22 at 2018 6:30 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 22 May 2018 06:30:29 -0400

Yes

Response by SPC Andrew Hopkins made May 22 at 2018 7:27 AM

SPC Andrew Hopkins — Tue, 22 May 2018 07:27:57 -0400

NO you’re geo bachelor! One of you will draw bah with dependents the other without

Response by SGM Bill Frazer made May 22 at 2018 8:59 AM

SGM Bill Frazer — Tue, 22 May 2018 08:59:54 -0400

As a geographical bachelor- They did not allow on base housing- so that leaves billets or renting. Uncle Sam does not worry about your stuff that you have but the needs of the service.

Response by CPO Gene Gysin made May 22 at 2018 11:36 AM

CPO Gene Gysin — Tue, 22 May 2018 11:36:47 -0400

At EOAS, look into a prior service enlistment in the AF...

Otherwise, you're geo-batching it...

Response by SP6 Cajun Ray made May 22 at 2018 12:18 PM

SP6 Cajun Ray — Tue, 22 May 2018 12:18:56 -0400

Both of you should be receiving BHA and be authorized to live off post.

My wife and I were both in the Army and stationed at different posts. We both received BHA and lived off post.

Response by SrA Michael Burdick made May 22 at 2018 12:27 PM

SrA Michael Burdick — Tue, 22 May 2018 12:27:12 -0400

You will probably have to rehome the dogs, put your stuff in storage, and live in the barracks. Just a reality of both being enlisted.

Response by SGT David Wyatt made May 22 at 2018 12:41 PM

SGT David Wyatt — Tue, 22 May 2018 12:41:43 -0400

living in barracks is the least of your issues the divorce you are headed for is a much bigger deal

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made May 22 at 2018 12:51 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 22 May 2018 12:51:52 -0400

Yeah, I second that have two kids idea.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 22 at 2018 1:37 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 22 May 2018 13:37:45 -0400

Unfortantly you will have to more then likely live in the barracks. Unless y'all have children. If you do whether they live with you or your wife you'll have to provide housing for them which is why in that case you will be allowed to move off post. You can request exception to policies and submit it through housing but that is a case by case basis. Other then that unless you or an E6-E7 (depending on your post) or an officer you will have to live in the barracks. If your spouse was a civilian there would be no issues. This is one thing I will never understand about the military. Because I went through this when my husband was in the military when we first got married.

Response by Cpl Colton Laney made May 22 at 2018 1:39 PM

Cpl Colton Laney — Tue, 22 May 2018 13:39:52 -0400

Sucks to suck, nerd. Back to the bricks you go!

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 22 at 2018 2:00 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 22 May 2018 14:00:01 -0400

Most installations have policies regarding this. In addition, you're married you're still entitled BAH, thus you will not reside in BEQ.

Response by SFC John McDonald made May 22 at 2018 2:13 PM

SFC John McDonald — Tue, 22 May 2018 14:13:58 -0400

Depends.... one of yall.. but back when I was still in the B's SSG's and above got BAH at the single rate and kicked out of the B's

Response by Sgt Tyler Garner made May 22 at 2018 2:27 PM

Sgt Tyler Garner — Tue, 22 May 2018 14:27:05 -0400

The DoD states that if your spouse is active duty as well as you, you cannot be assigned to a duty station more than 50 miles away from your spouse. Meet halfway at the 25 mile mark and read the rules for spouses and housing. .Boot

Response by LCDR Private RallyPoint Member made May 22 at 2018 2:41 PM

LCDR Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 22 May 2018 14:41:02 -0400

Welcome to the barracks (but they are so much nicer today than when I lived in the open bay & very crowded ones).

Response by SFC Michael Litaker made May 22 at 2018 4:53 PM

SFC Michael Litaker — Tue, 22 May 2018 16:53:19 -0400

Instead of asking on here go see your platoon sergeant. He will be able to verify the regulations on this. You will get a lot better advice talking to your platoon daddy instead of the advice you are getting in here. Just a thought

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made May 22 at 2018 4:54 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 22 May 2018 16:54:36 -0400

You’ll be receiving BAH. So no barracks. It doesn’t matter where your wife lives.

Response by CPL Vinnie Vinanti made May 22 at 2018 5:35 PM

CPL Vinnie Vinanti — Tue, 22 May 2018 17:35:08 -0400

Ahhh... The barracks, where hope, dreams and aspirations to marry a stripper come to life. You could be the wise and sage council to the young, dumb and ignorant of truth. Imbibe of the tastiest of cheap malt liquoror and enjoy the slip-n-slide on the third floor. Celebrate the bi-monthly holiday that is payday and wear that stripper stink with pride as you show the younger generation “how it’s done”. Explain your raging case of pinkeye to no one and revel, yes revel once again in the privilege of youth.

Response by PO1 Steve Mitchell made May 22 at 2018 5:37 PM

PO1 Steve Mitchell — Tue, 22 May 2018 17:37:32 -0400

You both get a housing allowance. Best bet would be for one to set up house with the dogs and the other live in the barracks and use both allowances to maintain the house. Or both rent a place. Base housing is for families and when you both move into it on one base, your allowances go away. Not to mention that you would have to get on the housing list and it could be sometime before a unit is available.

Response by LCpl Private RallyPoint Member made May 22 at 2018 6:16 PM

LCpl Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 22 May 2018 18:16:42 -0400

You can make the argument that you have 2 dogs and a lot of furniture in a bah package but it’s command discretion so you could be screwed.

Response by SGT Charles Aspinall made May 22 at 2018 6:51 PM

SGT Charles Aspinall — Tue, 22 May 2018 18:51:02 -0400

Granted I've been off active duty since 2004. Depending on the installation your assigned to, policies mandated installation command and your chain of command will determine if you live in the barracks or off post. Factors include your rank and availability of quarters on post.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made May 22 at 2018 6:54 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 22 May 2018 18:54:26 -0400

Your spouse isn't required to live with you to live on your own and receive BAH. I know plenty of guys who's wives live away in their home states. If you're married you won't be authorized to live in the barracks at all. They aren't going to pay you BAH and pay for your barracks housing.

Response by SPC Craig Miller made May 22 at 2018 7:57 PM

SPC Craig Miller — Tue, 22 May 2018 19:57:15 -0400

In an Air Force Barracks be sure to bring back a five or ten to give the (unfortunately) mutual butler and your uniforms will be crisp. If she visits you, she may clear some substandard housing pay if you are on an Army or Marine base.

Response by SFC Dennis Rodriguez made May 22 at 2018 8:01 PM

SFC Dennis Rodriguez — Tue, 22 May 2018 20:01:22 -0400

Barracks and no BAH.

Response by SFC Jeremy Smith made May 22 at 2018 8:40 PM

SFC Jeremy Smith — Tue, 22 May 2018 20:40:24 -0400

In NTC as an E7 I had to pay two rents even E6s would do the same

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 22 at 2018 8:55 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 22 May 2018 20:55:50 -0400

Not necessarily, 10th mountain Division doesn’t even authorize geo-bachelors. Y’all will each be receiving partial BAH, you probably just won’t be living in as big of a house.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 22 at 2018 9:15 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 22 May 2018 21:15:36 -0400

You cannot live in an army barracks while receiving bah. She will get bag from the AF and you will get it from the army. Neither of you will live in a barracks.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 22 at 2018 9:27 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 22 May 2018 21:27:09 -0400

Look in the regs my man. Reguardless of military branch you'll each get BAH without dependents. If you do have kids one day the higher ranking will get BAH with dependents. BAH is an entitlement to married Soldiers or Soldiers in the grade of E6 and above. Same goes for BAS, it is an entitlement for the same reasons stated above. You'll also be entitled to family sep pay ($250). If you do have kids one day and by chance you both are deployed, TDY or away for 30+ days you'll get double the sep pay. I can vouch for the above info from personal experience

Response by 1SG Ice Wolf made May 22 at 2018 9:41 PM

1SG Ice Wolf — Tue, 22 May 2018 21:41:22 -0400

Live in the Barracks save money! Why pay rent or a house payment in two places if it's just you? I did it for years state side and overseas. Do your time and go home! But I wasn't in a dual military family either. So I do see some concerns. Best of luck to you and your family!

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made May 22 at 2018 9:43 PM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 22 May 2018 21:43:05 -0400

You'll be a geobat and since she's in the AF, after 6 months she can move into her own place

Response by MSgt Andrew Blackwell made May 22 at 2018 9:57 PM

MSgt Andrew Blackwell — Tue, 22 May 2018 21:57:16 -0400

Depending on which base your wife is stationed at and whether or not the children are living with her, then she may be required to reside in the dorms till she reaches SrA with 3 years of service. This comes directly out of AFI32-6005. Search mil-to-mil geographically separated. Typically DEERS/DFAS keeps the children under the highest ranking member. I deal with situation at least once a month as a dorm manager in the AF. MAKE SURE SHE HAS JOINT ASSIGNMENT APPLICATION ON HER PAPERWORK OR SHE WILL WIND UP WHERE THE AF WANTS HER. Hit me up if you have any questions.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made May 22 at 2018 10:09 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 22 May 2018 22:09:31 -0400

Go to S1. Fill out all the necessary MACP paperwork. Have your wife do the same. Also, it depends on the post you live on. And company commander is all that is needed to approve BAH with out dependents.

Response by TSgt Thomas Reed made May 22 at 2018 10:17 PM

TSgt Thomas Reed — Tue, 22 May 2018 22:17:57 -0400

Most likely barracks, off post is a strong possibility

Response by Sgt Daniel J. Daly made May 22 at 2018 10:19 PM

Sgt Daniel J. Daly — Tue, 22 May 2018 22:19:05 -0400

What’s wrong with living on the barracks? As I understand it you guys live 3 to a room. Beats living in a squad bay of 40 guys. No privacy or late night reading.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made May 22 at 2018 10:32 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 22 May 2018 22:32:39 -0400

Barracks buddy...

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 22 at 2018 11:01 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 22 May 2018 23:01:58 -0400

Check out the Joint Federal Travel Regulation. That’s unless they are using a new reg now.

Response by TSgt Noel Barrett made May 22 at 2018 11:10 PM

TSgt Noel Barrett — Tue, 22 May 2018 23:10:29 -0400

One of the spouses, the one with physical custody of the children will be eligible for base housing or Family rate quarters allowance and the ither spouse will live in the barracks, depending on rank. If the unaccompanied spouse is E-5 or above they should be eligible for BAQ. In my experience, the Air Force did everything possible to give spouses the same assignment. I was married fora good deal of the time I was in, but my wife wasn't military, so I did 3 unaccompanied remote tours where my wife stayed in the states while I was overseas.

Response by PO2 Charles Kokel made May 22 at 2018 11:21 PM

PO2 Charles Kokel — Tue, 22 May 2018 23:21:23 -0400

From my understanding depending on your MOS they can try and keep you close to each for perminant duty stations. I know the Coast Guard did our problem was lack of barracks. Some units even single E-2s lived off base.

Response by SSgt Boyd Herrst made May 22 at 2018 11:35 PM

SSgt Boyd Herrst — Tue, 22 May 2018 23:35:12 -0400

Ranking NCO usually runs the bks asbks NCO.. keeping things s
And personnel living there in line.. my deploy team lived on my end of bks.. their roomy was on Charlie team . Usually at the most , only Alpha and Bravo team deployed.. if needed Charlie went.. like I stated another time..as a SSGT. I had my own room.. nobody F—d with my stuff..
I had my stereo set up in my center locker
I had a iron bar ran through all 3 lock hasps.. and holes in the bar for locks to run through.. let s’body frig with that !

Response by Cpl Phillip Brame made May 23 at 2018 12:40 AM

Cpl Phillip Brame — Wed, 23 May 2018 00:40:20 -0400

As a Staff NCO you will not be living in the barracks as geographical bachelor. As far as I know there are staff quarters on bases and also civilian quarters available to you. Either way the barracks are out.

Response by SFC Eric Jackson made May 23 at 2018 12:56 AM

SFC Eric Jackson — Wed, 23 May 2018 00:56:56 -0400

Barracks ding-a-ling. Both of you can not live off base. The one with kids or highest rank is the off post. Why would you think both are authorized above your pay grade?
If both are. File single separate and see how that works. Usually, only one is authorized off post. Unless, pay grade authorized.

Response by SPC Jeffrey Stone made May 23 at 2018 3:05 AM

SPC Jeffrey Stone — Wed, 23 May 2018 03:05:01 -0400

Living in the barracks is not that bad. Put your bullshit in storage and enjoy the cheap rent. Less is more if you were going to move a lot. If you plan on staying in the military on active duty that could be in the cards for you. Having a spouse in the military is not going to be easy. Hopefully you won’t be separated from each other for very long. Living in the barracks isn’t that bad as long as you got a decent roommate. Think of all the money you’ll save. You won’t even have to put gas in your car to drive to work.

Response by SFC Larry Jones made May 23 at 2018 4:38 AM

SFC Larry Jones — Wed, 23 May 2018 04:38:16 -0400

I am old, 23 years retired, and spent 11 years in recruiting command. What a stupid decision, for one spouse to go into a different branch of service than the other. Your love bond must not be very strong. If this happens, be prepared to find a divorce lawyer.

Response by Sgt Leon Williams made May 23 at 2018 6:20 AM

Sgt Leon Williams — Wed, 23 May 2018 06:20:18 -0400

No kids?? Live in the barracks. Why should you be allowed to live in separate housing?? Besides it should help you save money.

Response by CPL Eric Clark made May 23 at 2018 6:32 AM

CPL Eric Clark — Wed, 23 May 2018 06:32:33 -0400

depends of you are stationed at ft hood and she is stationed at fort sam or USAF san antonio, then she will get to live in housing, and you will get to live in a tent, or just be homeless.

thats what happenned to my buddy after he married a USAF medic , and he was a cav scout.

they basically said you are not authorized barracks because you receive BAH and you are not authorized housing because of your wife having housing in san antonio

port o potty lawyer here, but is exactly what happenned to my friend while he was getting med boarded

Response by TSgt James Hadley made May 23 at 2018 8:42 AM

TSgt James Hadley — Wed, 23 May 2018 08:42:10 -0400

If both are on remotes, which happened to a former Supervisor, then yes you will live in the barracks and I did live in a place that should been condemned for habitation. If you divorce or separate it depends on your rank and your economic status

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 23 at 2018 8:51 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 23 May 2018 08:51:24 -0400

Go to fort Carson and have your wife go to Peterson Air Force bade you two can still live with each other on Peterson you will have to do research on it all but that’s what I would do.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 23 at 2018 9:11 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 23 May 2018 09:11:49 -0400

No, the Army has done away with "geographical bachelors." If you're married, you're out of the b's. Get with your leadership and make sure your BAH is straight.

Response by PO2 Jejuan Townsend made May 23 at 2018 10:06 AM

PO2 Jejuan Townsend — Wed, 23 May 2018 10:06:28 -0400

It depends on agreement of who's going to be physically caring for the children but bub you're a green suit...so you won't be able to do that alone...barracks time

Response by PO3 Scot Fahey made May 23 at 2018 10:17 AM

PO3 Scot Fahey — Wed, 23 May 2018 10:17:10 -0400

I was stationed at a Detachment, (read no housing available) so living in Pearl Harbor was desired, so no to use Host command functions

Response by PO2 Hauke Powers made May 23 at 2018 10:38 AM

PO2 Hauke Powers — Wed, 23 May 2018 10:38:02 -0400

depends on the Command you are assigned to. Some Commands allow you to live off-post if apart from spose...some require you to be a barracks brat again !!! I preferred the barracks for the ease of getting to my assigned post or duty section. And it was free !!! You eat, sleep, and work on your base or post...save lotsa money for momma !!!! I also was able to revert to the minimalist mindset again...do I REALLY need 10 pair of sneakers and matching sport jackets ???!!!! Just an example, guys !!!! God bless all of you and pray for ALL of our service personnel out there !!!!

Response by SGT Frank Allen made May 23 at 2018 11:57 AM

SGT Frank Allen — Wed, 23 May 2018 11:57:59 -0400

100 years ago only one VHA, both could draw BEQ. The one that moved on base looses his/her BEQ. Then there is separate ration allowance to. If you eat arvmess hall you loose those. But can always psp as you go if you get seprates. It was all depending on the command’s policy and what the service member wanted. You have to figure the budget and what works best.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 23 at 2018 2:21 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 23 May 2018 14:21:53 -0400

There is a family regulation that allows you to live off post if you own pets or have a significant amount of household goods. That's how I am allowed to live of post in Alaska. Your command may try to bully you into living in Geo-bachelor barracks so it's up to you how hard you want to fight it.

Response by CPL Mike Jones made May 23 at 2018 3:05 PM

CPL Mike Jones — Wed, 23 May 2018 15:05:33 -0400

If you are receiving BAH you are not allowed to stay in the barracks.

Response by TSgt F Mendez made May 23 at 2018 4:45 PM

TSgt F Mendez — Wed, 23 May 2018 16:45:41 -0400

Talk to your first Sgt

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 23 at 2018 8:50 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 23 May 2018 20:50:41 -0400

Depending on your wife's rank she will live in the barracks (dorms) for roughly six months before the airforce decides she's responsible enough to maintain a house (in many places) or she would likely be better apt to appeal for BAH due to furniture and other HHS goods. You on the other hand...

Unless you two are stationed close enough, the army is required to provide you a roof over your head. In most places based on installation barracks occupancy, E5 and below are required to stay in the barracks. The dirty term is Geo-bachelor or geo-bachellorette. Look at it as an opportunity to save as much money as you can for when you get to live together again or save it for some nice vacations.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 23 at 2018 9:22 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 23 May 2018 21:22:42 -0400

Living as a single soldier E-4 and below, enjoy the barracks.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made May 23 at 2018 9:41 PM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 23 May 2018 21:41:50 -0400

Barracks are for single Soldiers not married ones, to include geo-bachelors. You can’t receive BAH and live in the barracks as well unless you are on a dependent restricted assignment. Good luck!

Response by PFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 23 at 2018 10:24 PM

PFC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 23 May 2018 22:24:38 -0400

Even if you do have to stay in the barracks, the regulation states you have to have a room but you don’t have to stay in it. I have a buddy who’s single and an E-4 living off post even though he still has a room in the barracks

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made May 23 at 2018 11:22 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 23 May 2018 23:22:14 -0400

I’ve responded to a couple comments and was gonna give my own answer...then I realized this was posted over a year ago. Great job Rally Point.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made May 24 at 2018 4:03 AM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 24 May 2018 04:03:24 -0400

My roommate is married and live in two different states. You will be in the barracks.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made May 24 at 2018 5:59 AM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 24 May 2018 05:59:00 -0400

On most post even if you are married and on different places you will live in the barracks. That is unless barracks utilization is at 95%then you may have a shot. More than likely if you are not a SSG. Hope you l in ke GI parties.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 24 at 2018 6:24 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 24 May 2018 06:24:04 -0400

Im in the very same situation. However, any one that says you will not be entitled to BHA and says that is Army Reg is wrong. The DoD FMR (Finacnce Mangment Reg) supercedes Army regs. It say you are both entitled to BHA with out dependant rate. Unless you have children and one of you will collect with dependant rate.
This is a battle you have to fight and see through. I have had soldiers in this situation and like I said, now myself. Use IG as a last resort but the Army and AF cannot take away from what the DoD regs say.

Response by SFC Phillip Allen made May 24 at 2018 7:06 AM

SFC Phillip Allen — Thu, 24 May 2018 07:06:59 -0400

Whoever is the highest rank, so probably you, in this case, gets the w/dependents BAH rate, but your spouse will receive single rate BAH. DoD only authorizes one payment, both of you won’t receive full BAH. And you, or her, can request reassignment to a Joint Base or nearby facility, if the Army and or Air Force can accommodate the request based on MOS, in most cases they will.

Response by SSG Brian Carpeneter made May 24 at 2018 7:57 AM

SSG Brian Carpeneter — Thu, 24 May 2018 07:57:35 -0400

You are usually with in 50 miles of each other and as long as you married you will always be allowed to live off post. As long as you are together you'll still get your housing allowance, if not then you have to pay out of pocket.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 24 at 2018 9:38 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 24 May 2018 09:38:49 -0400

If you are Army and she is AF it is possible for you to enroll in MACP. This is based on an agreement between the two services. It works differently than the traditional MACP however. If memory serves me correctly based on the JFTR if you are separated by orders one of you will be required to live in the barracks.

Response by PV2 Chris Jackson made May 24 at 2018 11:18 AM

PV2 Chris Jackson — Thu, 24 May 2018 11:18:26 -0400

Your wife's Air Force, the government will probably spring for the nearest Hilton

Response by SGT Eric Deyo made May 24 at 2018 12:27 PM

SGT Eric Deyo — Thu, 24 May 2018 12:27:29 -0400

Yep, barracks life for you. You each constitute what is called a geographic bachelor, which is authorized quarters in barracks. Sorry...

Response by SGT Joseph Johnston made May 24 at 2018 1:30 PM

SGT Joseph Johnston — Thu, 24 May 2018 13:30:17 -0400

I don't know what the regs say, but for most of the units I have been in, if you're already married and drawing BAH, you'll probably my escape notice and be just fine. Unless you go around telling everyone that your wife isn't around, like, on the internet or something.

Response by SPC Eric Barkemeyer made May 24 at 2018 2:16 PM

SPC Eric Barkemeyer — Thu, 24 May 2018 14:16:41 -0400

It will really come down to your chain of command. Some units will let you live out of the barracks others not so much. Good luck

Response by SFC Martin Reddy made May 24 at 2018 3:25 PM

SFC Martin Reddy — Thu, 24 May 2018 15:25:35 -0400

I knew several guys who fraudulently remained in quarters. They simply did not report the wife’s absence.

Response by SSG Jonathan Glab made May 24 at 2018 3:34 PM

SSG Jonathan Glab — Thu, 24 May 2018 15:34:40 -0400

One member will receive the w dependant bah the other will receive wo dependant

Response by PFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 24 at 2018 6:38 PM

PFC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 24 May 2018 18:38:06 -0400

CNA packet. Take it from the S1

Response by SSgt Jeff Martin made May 24 at 2018 7:25 PM

SSgt Jeff Martin — Thu, 24 May 2018 19:25:41 -0400

What happens when one spouse is deployed? Who watches the children when one of you is at work?

Response by SPC Jim Hinderliter made May 24 at 2018 8:32 PM

SPC Jim Hinderliter — Thu, 24 May 2018 20:32:57 -0400

In the 70s there was a law that couples were to be stationed as close as possible. I saw aPFC get shipped to Korea from Germany

Response by SPC Charles Batchelor made May 24 at 2018 8:44 PM

SPC Charles Batchelor — Thu, 24 May 2018 20:44:46 -0400

It will all depend on your rank and availibility of space in tge barracks. If you are E-5 or lower, goid chance you will be in the barracks. E-6 and above, it's a crapshoot.

Response by MSG Al S made May 24 at 2018 9:58 PM

MSG Al S — Thu, 24 May 2018 21:58:27 -0400

Keep in mind that my advice may be dated.... as a 1SG, I had a population of "geographical" batchelors in the barracks.... , whichever of the 2 of you has custody of the children, gets the BAH and thus must live outside of barracks.... the other, is place in barracks ONLY if room is available, if there is no room available, then the one whom recieves BAH must provide the other with Spouse Support... for example, she has custody if the children and is entitled to 2/3 of the BAH, if her BAH is 1,000 per month... she gets 333x2 and you are entitled to 333. Good lick finding a nice place for that price, ... have seen where several Geographical Bachelors rented a place..... the other side of this is that you should get whatever agreed upon amount in writing....hope this helps

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 24 at 2018 10:59 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 24 May 2018 22:59:36 -0400

If you have no kids, you will either live together on post, or each be authorized single BAH.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 24 at 2018 10:59 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 24 May 2018 22:59:44 -0400

Why not have her live in the barracks so you can get the BAH and get you a place!

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made May 24 at 2018 11:55 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 24 May 2018 23:55:00 -0400

To be honest it depends on your commander. I was barracks manager when I was in the Marines and the final word came from the first general in your chain of command. Depends also on what is occupancy of the barracks all that stuff.

Response by LCpl Darrell J. Farley Jr. made May 25 at 2018 12:53 AM

LCpl Darrell J. Farley Jr. — Fri, 25 May 2018 00:53:01 -0400

Why doesn’t she join the Army? Something she isn’t telling you???

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made May 25 at 2018 10:29 AM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 25 May 2018 10:29:19 -0400

Maintain your room in the barracks go airborne. Recieve hazard duty pay. Pay for your own place out of pocket off post. Not recommended but some people have done it.

Response by PO2 Patrick Dwyer made May 25 at 2018 11:30 AM

PO2 Patrick Dwyer — Fri, 25 May 2018 11:30:33 -0400

I frequently maintained a bunk in barracks but lived of base as much as possible. Yes life on ship is worse than any Barack’s. The navy invented tiny homes. A berthing compartment quarter size of any barrack and place twice as many people in it. God those were the good old days

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made May 25 at 2018 12:54 PM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 25 May 2018 12:54:15 -0400

You'll still receive bah, and if you're the higher ranking you'll receive most of it so you wouldn't have to

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made May 25 at 2018 3:14 PM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 25 May 2018 15:14:52 -0400

I have a man in my own unit whose wife is Air Force and he does in fact have to live in the barracks

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made May 25 at 2018 7:52 PM

MSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 25 May 2018 19:52:00 -0400

As of last year, One of the females that worked for me was married to a soldier who was geographically separated. Because there were no kids, she was forced to stay in the dorms until the normal AF process allowed her to move out.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made May 25 at 2018 11:58 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 25 May 2018 23:58:51 -0400

I hope things work out for you and your wife. I have seen it done before, Soldier married to an Airman and they are accommodated by being stationed at a Joint Base

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made May 26 at 2018 12:41 AM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 26 May 2018 00:41:31 -0400

It depends, you can live off post, because you’re still getting bah.

Response by PFC Charles Sanders made May 26 at 2018 9:02 AM

PFC Charles Sanders — Sat, 26 May 2018 09:02:13 -0400

A lot of it falls on your command as well as available space in the barracks.

Response by SSG Chris Freeman made May 26 at 2018 9:45 AM

SSG Chris Freeman — Sat, 26 May 2018 09:45:54 -0400

Is there a AFB close by? She can call whatever their branch of HRC is and request to be stationed there.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made May 26 at 2018 10:13 AM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 26 May 2018 10:13:29 -0400

Get a divorce and marry a stripper

Response by MAJ Vidal Garza made May 26 at 2018 10:48 AM

MAJ Vidal Garza — Sat, 26 May 2018 10:48:53 -0400

Claim geographical bachelor status

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made May 26 at 2018 5:34 PM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 26 May 2018 17:34:20 -0400

A nice way to say the military doesnt want you to have a family. The age old saying if thwy wanted you to have a family they would of issued you one.

Response by SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member made May 26 at 2018 6:22 PM

SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 26 May 2018 18:22:23 -0400

If I'm not mistaken, and someone can feel free to correct me, but if you are stationed apart and have no children with you, you are considered a geolocational bachelor. Meaning you do not receive BAH or BAS. So yes you would most likely live in the barracks.

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made May 26 at 2018 8:31 PM

Sgt Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 26 May 2018 20:31:45 -0400

If your orders are unaccompanied, it’s back to the bricks.

Response by PV2 Private RallyPoint Member made May 26 at 2018 9:55 PM

PV2 Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 26 May 2018 21:55:00 -0400

So I got married on pcs leave to my wife who was already stationed at bliss for 3 months . I already had orders for ft Hood. Branch and macp says it could take 1 -2years for us to get stationed together. We are both army both pfc (I got mine first with more time in service) am I entitled to bah? If so does she get partial? I already sent paperwork to the Commander to sign it for bah/bas request.

Response by PV2 Meredith Turner made May 26 at 2018 10:37 PM

PV2 Meredith Turner — Sat, 26 May 2018 22:37:03 -0400

Bite the bullet and clean them barracks

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made May 27 at 2018 12:03 AM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 27 May 2018 00:03:07 -0400

Not to be mean, but you better be worried about more than living in the barracks again.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 27 at 2018 8:13 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 27 May 2018 08:13:33 -0400

if i remember correctly one of you will get full BAH while the other one will get BAH differential, check with your finance.

Response by PO1 Charles Fletcher made May 27 at 2018 10:33 AM

PO1 Charles Fletcher — Sun, 27 May 2018 10:33:37 -0400

I see a divorce on the horizon.

Response by CMSgt Private RallyPoint Member made May 27 at 2018 10:48 AM

CMSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 27 May 2018 10:48:59 -0400

Smart move is to work with her AFSC (That’s MOS to you) functional manager as soon as she gets to tech school (AIT). Unless one of you has a weirdly unique job, join spouse assignment is probobly doable. I’m not mil to mil but I thought both spouses got BAH now—If that’s the case and your E-4 or higher you shouldn’t have to move back to barracks in my just standing off to the side opinion....only time I say E-4 CONUS directed to move back on base was during closure and they had shit tons of empty rooms....(glad I was an E-5 at the time!)

Response by CMSgt Private RallyPoint Member made May 27 at 2018 10:50 AM

CMSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 27 May 2018 10:50:01 -0400

* “saw” not say

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 27 at 2018 2:18 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 27 May 2018 14:18:22 -0400

I may be wrong but aren't dual military spouses required by regulation to be stationed within 50 miles of each other?

Response by CPT George Langley made May 27 at 2018 2:35 PM

CPT George Langley — Sun, 27 May 2018 14:35:31 -0400

My son was junior enlisted and therefore would be expected to live in the barracks, but he was married (no children) and therefore became a geographical bachelor because his wife stayed in Michigan while he was stationed in Missouri. (Army, if that matters) One might assume that everybody in a barracks is a bachelor, so what is the difference? Well, my son was allowed to maintain an apartment of his own as a geographical bachelor. I'm only guessing, but I assume that the reason for the apartment was that he could have privacy when his wife came to visit and if she decided to move to his location the apartment hunting would already be done.

Response by Raphaela Rea made May 27 at 2018 4:41 PM

Raphaela Rea — Sun, 27 May 2018 16:41:35 -0400

Where is the LMBO button?

Response by SPC James Incarmy made May 27 at 2018 5:00 PM

SPC James Incarmy — Sun, 27 May 2018 17:00:30 -0400

Not if u dont tell 1 sgt she aint living there lol never be late

Response by SN Private RallyPoint Member made May 27 at 2018 7:05 PM

SN Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 27 May 2018 19:05:33 -0400

They’ll definitely put you in the barracks. I have a shipmate who’s married(dual military) he lives in the barracks with all the “single sailors”. You might be able to route paperwork to get out of the barracks, but it’s unlikely due to only one dual military spouse gets BAH.

Response by CPL Luke Frierson made May 27 at 2018 7:32 PM

CPL Luke Frierson — Sun, 27 May 2018 19:32:01 -0400

You need to start talking to your chain and your branch manager about the military spouses program. There are plenty of joint bases and plenty of states with duty stations for both branches

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 27 at 2018 8:46 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 27 May 2018 20:46:49 -0400

You will both recieve BAH. You will be fine.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 28 at 2018 1:09 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 28 May 2018 01:09:44 -0400

Its considered dual status military. Highest rank will get full BAH. Other will recieve partial BAH

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made May 28 at 2018 2:03 AM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 28 May 2018 02:03:07 -0400

I can live with that, Barracks are more likely a College dorm surrounded by alcoholics teenagers...

Response by SSG Scott Martin made May 28 at 2018 9:29 AM

SSG Scott Martin — Mon, 28 May 2018 09:29:40 -0400

Face it brother youre getting divorced, so you might as well file first. Good luck

Response by LtCol Paul Bowen made Jun 1 at 2018 4:41 PM

LtCol Paul Bowen — Fri, 01 Jun 2018 16:41:57 -0400

Dear Air Force Family Man,

My guess is that YOU continue to be eligible for “Basic Allowance for Housing” (BAH) as an “Own Right” privilege.

Your spouse, upon graduating recruit training, will be eligible for her own BAH “Own Right” privilege.

As long as you are both married, then BAH “Own Right” is generally not denied and in the case of the USAF, is probably considered an essential component of the “USAF Quality Of Life Mission Statement”.

So both of you should be able to receive BAH Own Right as a consequence of your individual enlistments in the USAF.

I believe these BAH privileges do a lot for quality of life improvement. A friend of mine, in his more bohemian segment of his moral development, enlisted the girlfriend of a Colorado hippy couple who were never going to take things past “Happy Co-Habitation” in the Rockies. So my friend and this single female friend of the co-habitating couple became “Married” in the eyes of the State of Colorado, but not God. They did not consummate the legal marital status.

My friend received BAH Own Right from 1978 to 1982 under this legal arrangement. His “Legal Wife” in Colorado received a monthly consideration of $100.00.

In 1982 my friend became legally divorced in the “Eyes of Colorado” and became married in the eyes of the “State of Florida” and “God” to his present spouse who is a very “Capable Wife” (Proverbs: Chapter 31).

Best Wishes to you in your Professional & Marital Journeys.

Response by SMSgt Ed Turney made Jun 3 at 2018 10:36 AM

SMSgt Ed Turney — Sun, 03 Jun 2018 10:36:50 -0400

When I was AD it wishy washy. My wife got out because of the games they wanted to play. My grandson is now AD and an A1c and they kicked him out of the barracks (Warner Robins) for no room. He draws single quarters allowance. I would think you both would qualify for single quarters allowance with no problem.

Response by SP5 Geoffrey Vannerson made Jun 8 at 2018 4:17 PM

SP5 Geoffrey Vannerson — Fri, 08 Jun 2018 16:17:00 -0400

I was stationed with a married couple, the wife lived in barracks and when her husband showed up they applied for OPH and were denied because she would have left 9 months after his arrival. The CO would not let them reside in the same room either. In the eyes of the Federal Government it's considered "double dipping." It's bull stink but welcome to only one should serve at a time.

Response by SPC Andy Mineo made Jun 12 at 2018 1:20 PM

SPC Andy Mineo — Tue, 12 Jun 2018 13:20:34 -0400

Or they will kick you out of the barracks like me and say figure it out.

Response by SSgt Daniel d'Errico made Jun 15 at 2018 7:52 PM

SSgt Daniel d'Errico — Fri, 15 Jun 2018 19:52:56 -0400

This is a good question. From personal experience, my ex and I were seperated when she PCS'd to Iceland. I was living off base with our two children and the subject was never brought up by either my commander or first sgt. We were still married at that time, she was required to live in the barracks, of course but I still lived off base. Are you in the Air Force?

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 17 at 2018 10:59 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 17 Jun 2018 10:59:23 -0400

I was in this situation when my first wife joined the Navy in 2006. I lived off post as a geographical bachelor. Unless told otherwise by your chain of command, here's what you have to do:
First, when your spouse leaves for basic training (or whatever the Air Force calls it), go to finance and have them change you to single rate BAH. You cannot claim your spouse as a dependent as she will also be drawing BAH from the Air Force once she arrives at her first assignment. Once you have kids, one of you can claim them as dependents for BAH but not both.
The regulations may have changed since then so be prepared to move into the barracks if your chain of command directs you to or if finance says that you cannot draw BAH as a geographical bachelor.

Response by TSgt James Potter made Jul 1 at 2018 10:57 PM

TSgt James Potter — Sun, 01 Jul 2018 22:57:00 -0400

The Air Force has joint spouse assignments. You will have to apply for it. I have known many single airman that have lived off base. You will have to ask for that also. After basic training I spent a total of 3 days living in the dorm. Good luck.

Response by LCpl Cody Collins made Aug 13 at 2018 12:56 PM

LCpl Cody Collins — Mon, 13 Aug 2018 12:56:36 -0400

Take one for the team, live in the barracks save your money and thank God you have a choice. Use that saved money to visit your wife, when you take leave.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 21 at 2018 12:54 AM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 21 Aug 2018 00:54:36 -0400

Good question. So, to be clear the dogs really do not count for housing benefits. So, the next question is who is/will have the higher rank? I ask because if you are there is a difference in BHA for enlisted/NCO's and Officers. Yes, rank has some privileges. Back to my point. if she comes in as a 2LT she should claim BHA with dependent(s) (you), and you the enlisted will than claim BHA w/out dependents. However, if both of you are enlisted, it sounds like you would be the higher ranking, you should claim BHA with dependent(s). As a new enlisted in the Air Force, her living quarters will still be better than any Army Barrack(s), as sad as that sounds it is unfortunately true. I hope this answer helps in your decision.

Response by TSgt Kevin Robertson made Aug 24 at 2018 2:07 AM

TSgt Kevin Robertson — Fri, 24 Aug 2018 02:07:19 -0400

There's some bad info floating around in here. Per the JTR, "An assignment in the CONUS when dependent travel is delayed or restricted" entitles the member to dependent rate BAH at the zip code they will reside AND you must be provided housing at your CONUS duty location or you are entitled to Family Separation Housing (FSH)-B. Unaccompanied housing (dorms) is the normal practice through not all bases can accommodate all unaccompanied housing requirements (almost no AF bases have unaccompanied housing for any rank beyond E-4).

For Mil to Mil each of you will either receive housing (accompanied or unaccompanied as appropriate) or receive your BAH entitlement as per your dependent situation. The only thing is, only one military member can claim each dependent and it is based on where the dependents physically reside for more than half the year.

Side note, if paying child support, the BAH dif is a separate entitlement and considered separately from these other dependent situations.

Response by SPC Phillip Vossler made Apr 29 at 2020 10:57 AM

SPC Phillip Vossler — Wed, 29 Apr 2020 10:57:51 -0400

You're in the Army and she's joining the Air Force? I think you'd better make your peace with Divorce, Jodies gonna get her, lol

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 29 at 2020 11:06 AM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 29 Apr 2020 11:06:30 -0400

Nothing wrong with your spouse going into the Air Force, but have you spoken to a marriage counsellor about this yet?

Response by CPL Zach Forrest made Apr 29 at 2020 5:42 PM

CPL Zach Forrest — Wed, 29 Apr 2020 17:42:55 -0400

Go into the reserves and follow her. You can drill were ever she goes and have better housing.

Response by PFC Peter Bohnhof made Apr 29 at 2020 8:45 PM

PFC Peter Bohnhof — Wed, 29 Apr 2020 20:45:18 -0400

What are you thinking??? Get the hell out of the Army and become a dependent. You won't have to do shit every day except roll into the NCO club about noon and get your drink on. Does your wife have a sister, asking for a friend?

Response by SGT Neal Stanley made Apr 30 at 2020 1:48 AM

SGT Neal Stanley — Thu, 30 Apr 2020 01:48:42 -0400

I was a single soldier and lived off post. On fort Campbell we had that luxury if you were e4 or above.