My chain of command just announced that they're going to inspect on and off-post housing. What are they allow to inspect?

Since this is a year old....WHAT HAPPENED?!

Must be a reason beyond inspection

My platoon sgt used to show up at my home and say "Well, now I can say I visited. Got any beer?"

Sounds like a basic "health and welfare" inspection. Meaning they are simply concerned about the living conditions of all military personnel. I know that the Navy will blackball any business that is found to be taking advantage of or harming military personnel. That is probably the least of the repercussions from this.

SSG, I applauded your command for taking this course of action to ensure their soldiers are properly housed.

I made many visits to the homes and neighborhoods my soldiers lived in.

And unlike some of my peers I don't see this as command over reach so my answer isn't lawyer up and say no.

By regulation and US law your command would need to be invited in and limited to seeing what your willing to show them.

So no, they can't inspect your off post quarters.

But nothing prevents a good NCO from a drive by to see your home from the street. And good commanders and first line leaders should check local crime reports to determine if their soldiers are in high crime areas.

And remember if your landlord or rental property management conduct an inspection as they are allowed to do some rental managers will contact the chain of command if the property is not being maintained or they suspect other issues.

Nothing wrong with that either, as it is in the best interest of the soldier.

I have found my soldiers in trailers with holes in floors and ceilings, no heat, no AC, no working oven, broken water heaters, and one young soldier with weeks of dirty dishes in the shower, overflowing trash and a motorcycle in the living room next to the crib.

Not all soldiers are prepared to live independently and the chain of command should know that too. That way these young families can be helped.

And the post commander has a powerful tool that can help the soldier and chain of command with slum lords. He/She can make apartments and rental properties off limits. So when my soldiers had issues they were fixed quickly or we moved them with their permission to new lodging, even emergency housing on post and recommended that property be off limits..

So while soldiers off post have the right to say no, remember it may be in their interest to say yes if they need help with a property manager not fixing or replacing appliances or holes in roofs.

And remember the army does adhere to the whole family concept, and good NCO's and commanders are just as concerned about your wife and children.

Getting medical appointments and other post services your family needs, but may be having trouble receiving are just as important to the command.

So I would say in closing while maintaining their privacy and respecting their rights, encourage more interaction between the chain of command and the soldiers and not less.

If my memory works...Off Base Housing is usually banned from "impromptu inspections without permission. On Base, yes...with proper notification...24/48 hrs or more. As a former MP. we never "inspected" except for alleged drug usage or trafficking, or when underage dependents were involved with military personnel.

Over my career you have no idea how often I have seen this. your command cannot "inspect' your off post housing. They cannot enter your residence without your approval or unless the police show up with a warrant. It is the policy of any command that they want to be sure soldiers are living in a safe environment. As a platoon sergeant it was important for me to meet the soldiers family and if they had any special needs. I discovered a soldier who had a special needs child and directed them to the proper offices and individuals where they could take advantage of the services the army offered.
I would ask would you mind if I came over for a visit I would like to meet your family. I would not over stay my welcome and the visit was a relaxed atmosphere. The soldier had every right to refuse a visit to his residence. I would explain to my soldiers I want to know where you are living I want to meet your wife and family. If someone has to go to the hospital I want to know how to get to where you live. If you are going home on leave who is watching your place? It was basically about helping the soldier in a relaxed atmosphere where they could come to me with there issues and then find the help or assistance they needed.

Probably too late now - I might ask "How it went?". However, I'd recommend making a stop by base legal/JAG and ask for advice and clarification on *your* rights and command limits (if any) in such off-base housing inspection. If someone asks "What are you afraid of?" tell them you don't know what, if anything, to be afraid of, and that's why you're asking. Personally, if I show up on time, sober, in a clean and pressed uniform and able to do my job satisfactorily or better, that's pretty much the limit of their legitimate concern. Now - if they are paying the rent, and on the hook for any damage you may allow or cause, that gives them a legitimate interest, but again, that is not unlimited - again, JAG can clarify.

SSG (Verify To See)..
YOUR Statement Has A Ring Of Suspicion To It,,,,
I'd Strongly Suggest, You Get That Crap OUT Of Your House.

Is this a “Joint Venture” that has been authorized by the Command HQ and the Federal Government in your State? The US Military Members have a reputation for being drug dealers/mules and sex traffickers, Murders, Domestic Violence etc., (for decades) on base and off. UCMJ does not suffice resolving issues/crimes that happen off base. Do you have a cage for your dog to stay in during the inspection. Maybe there’s a search warrant signed by a Superior Court Judge along with JAG. The state where you are stationed, ALLOWS the base to exist in their “host” state. If it’s happening, I’m glad for your state! Keeps you on your toes! You should have nothing to hide right?