On Post Housing; what can I expect?

2014-05-02T07:18:06-04:00

So I have been married in the military for about 6 years now and have always lived off post. 3 PCSs later I am now going to be living on post at Fort Meade, MD. The issue in my mind when my done is done, its done. I don't have to have to worry about living and breathing army on my front porch if I want to grab my mail without a cover, or chat by my car after work without my top on.

How is this issue looked at in military housing? I know certain regulations are in place for uniform wear and appearance but in housing areas are people more lenient?

Response by MAJ Steve Sheridan made May 2 at 2014 8:03 AM

2014-05-02T08:03:58-04:00

I've lived on and off post.

I've loved living on post when had the opportunity. You won't see your neighbors anymore than you would see your neighbors when you lived off post. You either make or don't make the effort to connect.

The only down side is you might lose the opportunity to gain equity in a home purchase, but if you're only there a couple years, won't make a big difference.

Think of the time you will save on commute.

Also, when I lived on post, I was able to go home for lunch.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 2 at 2014 8:08 AM

2014-05-02T08:08:01-04:00

I've been overseas for the last three years, and will be for the next three so I've got plenty of experience living on post. There are several advantages to it, the biggest being your proximity to work and base services. I agree that when the day is done you want to feel like you've left work, and yes sometimes it doesn't feel that way. Honestly though for the most part it's no different than living in a community off base, people pretty much keep totems elves, and no one is going to jump down your throat if they see you on your front porch without your PC.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 2 at 2014 9:02 AM

2014-05-02T09:02:28-04:00

I've never lived on post. I rarely see any housing worth my BAH.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 2 at 2014 9:12 AM

2014-05-02T09:12:40-04:00

I live on post at Fort Meade. I can tell you that Fort Meade is a beast all of it's own. It is a joint base with more civilians than SMs and it is run like a civilian base. No one stops to get out of their car to salute the flag, more civilians live in military housing than actual soldiers, and there is more security to buy something at the commissary than their is to actually get on Fort Meade. The housing standards are pretty relaxed and no one is going to say anything to you about getting your mail with your cover off. I normally wouldn't walk around in my tan t-shirt, just because I do my best to live by the golden rule, do the right thing, even when no one is watching....but, yea, I think you will be okay.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 2 at 2014 11:09 AM

2014-05-02T11:09:47-04:00

SGT Cohen

The regulation does not have a provision saying that when you are in housing you do not have to follow it.

Don't get me wrong, I am currently living in military housing and I am not trying to get all high and mighty here, but when I get off my car to cross the street to the house, I put my pc on, or my jacket on, must be a force of habit for me.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made May 2 at 2014 11:18 AM

2014-05-02T11:18:25-04:00

Seeing this from a fellow NCO saddens me. GREATLY!!

The fact that you fear living in on-post housing because you will feel forced to adhear to simple rules and regulations that you are paid to uphold and enforce!

The question should not be "How is this issue looked at in military housing?" the Question should be, How do you enforce regulations and how do you justify your status as a NCO by wanting to go against the very regulations that you are suppose to uphold.

Response by SSG V. Michelle Woods made May 2 at 2014 8:17 PM

2014-05-02T20:17:41-04:00

I won't be the one to pretend I am always in regulation 100% of the time with every single aspect of the military (yes a stray hair does occasionally fall below my eyebrow) but I would like to post a great discussion topic that will help give you an idea of on-post housing.

I understand you're saying you just want to be able to relax when you go home, which I'm sure everyone can understand but there are some perspectives in this discussion about the importance of following and enforcing the regs. Hope this helps SGT Cohen!

https://www.rallypoint.com/answers/do-you-wear-headgear-when-you-re-outside-at-your-house

Do you wear headgear when you're outside at your house? | RallyPoint

So, with the new and improved AR 670-1 on the verge of being released (not holding my breath), and after reading many of the discussions on uniform violations I got to thinking.  One of the things I always talk to my Soldiers about and gets on my nerves when I see it, is when Soldiers are at home, both on and off post, many of them do not wear their headgear when they get out of the vehicle and walk inside.  I have seen Officers,...

Response by SFC Christopher Perry made May 2 at 2014 8:38 PM

2014-05-02T20:38:11-04:00

The only time living off post was rough was in Okinawa and it was self inflicted. I saw the location of my house as highly advantageous. I mean heck I could walk to PT in the morning without even waking up. However, what I did not consider was the fact that I was just as close to the barracks. This was great for looking things over in the morning. The big downfall was that my 1SG was a big drinker! Which means that every time he got a call that required him to head over he would stop by and pick me up for "support". He would always say "I've been drinking and I don't want to say or do something stupid so I want you to come along". I found it amusing and more than a bit disturbing simultaneously. But then, this was the guy who would mysteriously miss PT when they had a checkpoint set up between his house and PT to catch drunk drivers.

Response by Maj Walter Kilar made May 2 at 2014 10:22 PM

2014-05-02T22:22:33-04:00

Reading this post hurts my head. I am not saying that we should march between the car and the front porch at quick time, precisely 120 steps per minute with a uniform still in open ranks inspection order after a 10-hour duty day, but we are professional Soldiers, Sailors, Marines, and Boy Scouts, I mean, Airmen.

I grew up on Fort Meade housing, and I have friends there now. I would say that you are safe to slack off from time to time, but why would you want to? Just do what is right all the time, and only slip up on occasion--like normal human beings.

Response by CW2 Private RallyPoint Member made May 3 at 2014 3:17 AM

2014-05-03T03:17:53-04:00

I'd be lying if I said I follow AR 670-1 while on the confines of my on post house. Once I get in my car and leave then I enforce and uphold the standard. I notice other Soldiers mainly do the same.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 3 at 2014 12:42 PM

2014-05-03T12:42:19-04:00

Simple solution to not wearing your uniform in your housing area, bring a gym bag and change at work. If you have been in long enough, you will remember a time when this was the norm. Some people still do this, but mostly they live off post. Stop going against the grain and put your hat on. Or try getting away with it, just dont get upset when another NCO that is follwin the regs tells you to fix yourself.

Response by SPC Caroline Avila made Oct 31 at 2021 11:10 PM

2021-10-31T23:10:37-04:00

Change at work into sweats or civies, then you don't have to worry about forgetting to wear headgear. You can relax, go shopping and do what you want, esp. when you go home to on base housing. I'm an army brat and also former active army. I loved on base, the savings in utilities and rent alone makes it worth while. This will allow you to pay off a lot of debt. Keep your area clean, you will have regulations to follow, such as where to place your grill, mowing the lawn, toys f you have kids, loud music, pets, etc. maybe even where you can place a temp. fence. Again, check your housing regs. you will get to know your neighbors, make new friends. Each place is a new adventure, people will watch each other's houses, pet sitters if needed. When I lived in Germany, had different experiences as well. The military will pack and move your belongings and bring them to your new place. It will take some adjustments from civilian housing, however it does have it's perks. Do take heed, for every mark you make on the wall, or hole, it needs to be fixed before you move out, otherwise it will count against you. You can also only have certain colors on your walls. check the housing regs. pros and cons....