Im deploying and want to know about an Exception to Policy BAH waiver to move my family to a different city and collect different BAH

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 18 Nov 2015 19:29:53 -0500

BAH waiver

Response by CPT Mark Gonzalez made Nov 24 at 2015 8:01 AM

CPT Mark Gonzalez — Tue, 24 Nov 2015 08:01:59 -0500

It is an exception to policy request that has to go to the Army G-1. Start with your S-1. However, based upon my experience save yourself the time as it will be denied. What you are doing is not in the best interest of the government it is in your best interest. It would help your case a lot though if you could explain how this actually benefits the government and isn't just something your family wants. Like all requests though the worst they can say is no, but it takes time to submit.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 24 at 2015 8:47 AM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 24 Nov 2015 08:47:26 -0500

If you're planning to move your family to a city/state with a higher BAH, that will probably raise some eyebrows. CA and NY especially come to mind. If it's for the extra money, I'll tell you that that's the wrong path to take and that your leadership might do a 15-6. Army values apply here. A flawed character will catch up to you sooner or later. This is why you see General Officers do unethical or immoral things and get fired or demoted.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 24 at 2015 8:52 AM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 24 Nov 2015 08:52:50 -0500

Without knowing all the details, this sounds like it is bordering on being a bit unethical. What is "different" about the BAH? My assumption is that you are not wanting to get this waiver b/c the BAH will be more at the new residence. Without knowing all the details though, this just sounds suspicious.

For more information see: ALARACT 324/2012 DTG: 141232Z NOV 12

C. FOUR ADDITIONAL DISTINCT CATEGORIES ARE AUTHORIZED FOR
CONSIDERATION UNDER THIS POLICY WHEN CIRCUMSTANCES REQUIRE
DEPENDENTS TO RESIDE SEPARATELY FROM THE SOLDIER:
(1.) DEPLOYMENT. SOLDIERS WHO RECEIVE PCS ORDERS TO UNITS
DEPLOYING WITHIN 12 MONTHS OF THEIR ARRIVAL TO THE DUTY STATION
MAY BE CONSIDERED. SOLDIERS MUST DEPLOY WITHIN 12 MONTHS OF
ARRIVAL TO THE UNIT. WAIVERS WILL BE CONSIDERED FOR SOLDIERS
RETURNING FROM AN OVERSEAS ASSIGNMENT WHO MUST ACTIVATE THEIR
COMMAND-APPROVED FAMILY CARE PLAN OR RELOCATE THEIR FAMILY TO
THE HOME OF RECORD DUE TO THE SOLDIER'S ASSIGNMENT TO A UNIT
THAT IS SCHEDULED TO DEPLOY WITHIN 12 MONTHS OF THEIR ARRIVAL TO
THE DUTY STATION. A COPY OF THE INDIVIDUAL DEPLOYMENT ORDER OR A
MEMO SIGNED BY A FIELD GRADE OFFICER AT THE GAINING COMMAND
VERIFYING THE SOLDIER'S DEPLOYMENT MONTH, YEAR, AND DEPLOYMENT
PERIOD MUST ACCOMPANY THE REQUEST.

Response by CSM Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 24 at 2015 2:53 PM

CSM Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 24 Nov 2015 14:53:17 -0500

You should be able to coordinate this through your S1... Not sure if your BHA will go up or down, but your relocation expenses will be on your own, meaning you will have to move out of where you are currently at and move your family to their new location. This is especially helpful if they have family there, or it is your spouses hometown where they have resources.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 25 at 2015 8:20 AM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 25 Nov 2015 08:20:25 -0500

Give it a shot and work through your chain of command and S-1 shop. Explain the reasons behind the request. If there are extenuating circumstances, you've got a shot. As others have said, all they can do is say no. Ask the question and make the decision maker provide an answer.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 26 at 2015 2:38 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 26 Nov 2015 02:38:08 -0500

It's not going to happen, don't waste your time. CPT Gonzales is spot on in his statement

Response by CPT Nik Webb made Dec 29 at 2015 9:32 AM

CPT Nik Webb — Tue, 29 Dec 2015 09:32:49 -0500

This would be a secretarial waiver (not exception to policy) and it will most likely never be approved. Feel free to research it for yourself though; chapter 10 of the JTR is all about Housing Allowances (just google JTR).