Should we really get BAH and BAS if we are deployed?

2015-03-11T02:44:55-04:00

This will surely be a heated debate. As leaders we are looking for ways to be smart with our money, so why do we all get full BAH and BAS when we are deployed? We are provided with housing and food without any costs to us overseas. So should we be given BAH and BAS while deployed?

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 11 at 2015 3:09 AM

2015-03-11T03:09:18-04:00

Initially, it makes sense to only provide for dependents.

..But then it raises the question of how we discriminate between married and single SMs. The old saying about if the Army wanted you to have a family.. Where are we in that debate?

Response by MSgt Jim Pollock made Mar 11 at 2015 3:16 AM

2015-03-11T03:16:43-04:00

If you are required to maintain non-government housing, you should receive BAH. Rent doesn't stop because you deployed. BAS should stop whenever you receive meals in kind.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 11 at 2015 4:51 AM

2015-03-11T04:51:58-04:00

I know there are those that will continue to promulgate the old adage "If the Army would have wanted you to have a family then they would have issued you one." Well, in my opinion with as many services that are provided for families, and as many senior leaders saying "You enlist the Soldier, you re-enlist the family" the old adage is hogwash.

The only reason that one should receive BAH while deployed, other than providing Housing to his/her dependents, is if there is a mission related reason that you must maintain your domicile while deployed.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 11 at 2015 4:59 AM

2015-03-11T04:59:58-04:00

On the active side, BAH is only given to those with qualified dependents. BAH is to provide those dependents with adequate housing. BAS should stop if rations in kind are being provided. Having said that, being deployed I think we should be allowed to get whatever money we can get. Our lives are on the line.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 11 at 2015 6:13 AM

2015-03-11T06:13:00-04:00

eh... only if you have dependents

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 11 at 2015 7:01 AM

2015-03-11T07:01:45-04:00

While I understand why someone would state that we should not due to being provided food and housing for free, it does not alleviate the need for someone to still maintain their home.

This is particularly true for those with dependents. They still have to be able to provide adequate housing for their dependents. The reduction in BAH would obviously have a tremendous impact on this.

However, I don't think it should exempt single members either. Think about a Reservist with a mortgage. You can not assume that they could or want to sell their home just because they are deploying for 6 months to a year. That would place an undue hardship on them.

I know that if my BAH were eliminated while I am deployed, that the cost of housing where I live would eat up considerably more than half of my base pay. That would be problematic to say the least.

BAS could be something that I could see being eliminated or reduced while deployed since it is for feeding the service member.

Response by SrA Jonathan Carbonaro made Mar 11 at 2015 7:23 AM

2015-03-11T07:23:58-04:00

As a E-4 with 4 years in the military I clear $2100 base pay after taxes (Fed, not state) before entitlements.
An O-3, with 4 years in the military clear over $5K a month, before entitlements.
Really what you are talking about is the difference between the two is a college degree (which a good bit of the force has) and a commission. Now I'm not saying the Military doesn't get their moneys worth out of Officers, tougher promotion, stricter PT standards, level of responsibility.

What I am saying is that when promoting an idea on a military based social media site like Rally point, lets NOT give Congress any more ideas on how they can Nickle and dime us, which they already want to do with Tri-care, retirements etc.

If you want to keep people in the military, in Enlisted positions, taking away more of their entitlements esp. while deployed isn't the way to do it.

Also I would

Response by SSG Robert Burns made Mar 11 at 2015 7:35 AM

2015-03-11T07:35:02-04:00

At this point, im sure if they could have cut that then they would have. No one in congress wants to be the guy who voted to take something away from a soldiers at war that could hurt his family.

Response by Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS made Mar 11 at 2015 7:38 AM

2015-03-11T07:38:52-04:00

Let me ask this.

Was the coffin rack I lived in on ship worth a comparable amount to BAH? What about a tent in the desert? What about those days when I didn't actually receive "housing" at all?

When the government deploys you, whatever previous housing arrangement you had, doesn't cease to exist. Depending on geographic location, that can be sizable.

If they are going to take away BAH, they need to remove dependents from base housing facilities as well. Food for thought.

Response by TSgt Joshua Copeland made Mar 11 at 2015 8:10 AM

2015-03-11T08:10:01-04:00

Is the DoD going to pay storage for single folks if they cut BAH? What about fees for short selling homes?

BAS, sure, if you are getting full rations, no need for BAS since that is only for you and specifically for food.

Response by MSgt Allan Vrboncic made Mar 11 at 2015 8:18 AM

2015-03-11T08:18:01-04:00

Single military members in the barracks do not get it anyway. But the rest at least are still paying for an apartment or a home, so the BAH is still needed. Now you could stop the BAS for military members that do not have dependents though. We would get COLA, and Hazardous Duty pay according to where we were deployed.

Response by PO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 11 at 2015 8:19 AM

2015-03-11T08:19:59-04:00

I feel there is no one answer on this sort of question. In that light here is my opinion...

If someone is deployed, maintains their lease or rental agreement where all of their personal household goods are kept then regardless of dependency status they should receive BAH. On the other hand if someone is deployed, breaks their lease or rental agreement and places all of their household goods in storage then they should receive the equivalent of the storage costs not necessarily BAH. The issue that we run into is that unless the service member notifies their PSD (or equivalent) that they have broken their lease/rental agreement then they will continue to get paid BAH, this would also be the case if they sublet their place during deployment.

For BAS, this may be the unpopular opinion but if you are being provided meals then you should not receive BAS. BAS is not awarded for you and your family, it is awarded to you. If you are TAD/TDY and a galley is available your orders are endorsed "messing available" it does not matter if you have a spouse and kids at home because it is an entitlement for you.

Response by SrA Matthew Knight made Mar 11 at 2015 8:58 AM

2015-03-11T08:58:12-04:00

Yes on the BAH for sure as you most likely still have property stateside that you will need to continue to pay for. As for BAS, they could possibly cut that because like you said you are getting your food at no cost while you are there and you aren't really in need of food to be delivered to an empty home, unless you have dependents of course. So maybe just cut BAS for single members. I would be more than willing to relinquish my BAS on a deployment for the sake of giving it to someone deployed with a family stateside that would need it.

Response by LTC Paul Labrador made Mar 11 at 2015 9:19 AM

2015-03-11T09:19:00-04:00

I kept my apartment both times I was deployed. Finding housing is a pain in the ass as it is. Do you really want to do it after you get back from a deployment? Now if you put your stuff into storage and don't have civilian quarters, then yes, you shouldnot get BAH.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 11 at 2015 9:24 AM

2015-03-11T09:24:55-04:00

Who is out there collecting BAH while deployed without the proper qualifying guidelines? Of course if a person has dependent a and gets deployed they should keep their BAH. The BAS i'm not sure if I agree or disagree with removing or keeping that either. I was deployed before and divorced to a location where I received government housing and I lost my BAH even though I had court orders giving me custody. However o was given BAH differential for that entire period until I returned state side. But seriously If SM's are out there getting BAH/BAS without meeting the guidelines please let me know who the finance clerk because I need that type of hook up. Lol

Response by MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca made Mar 11 at 2015 9:32 AM

2015-03-11T09:32:30-04:00

I say yes for those with dependents AND if you do not live in government housing. Deployed or not you still have a mortgage or rent to pay back home and if applicable, a family to support.

The system (as it was back in 2005-2006) needed a little updating to make it more real time. The fact that you received multiple LESs and checks per month to receive benefits and deduct taxes was quite burdensome. It should be as easy as pulling up a SMs financial record clicking a check box for taxes, BAH, BAS, HD pay, Jump Pay, etc. and whatever elections are selected/not selected are what drive your pay the next paycheck - SHOULD BE. but we all know in "DoD land" its all but next to impossible.

Sorry this is the logical, software engineer ME speaking and trying to make "fantasy land" sense out of the hopelessly DoD oblivious.

Response by TSgt Joshua Lynch made Mar 11 at 2015 9:39 AM

2015-03-11T09:39:56-04:00

When should we seriously start talking about putting a great deal more in military members pockets? Seems we're always trying to find ways to penny pinch the working man... Who's getting rich off BAH and BAS?

Response by MSgt Jim Pollock made Mar 11 at 2015 9:58 AM

2015-03-11T09:58:54-04:00

BAH: There was a time when it (BAQ at the time) had to be certified periodically and you received actual rent/mortgage or max entitlement for grade.

Reinstall that policy and make it a pre-deployment requirement. If there is a legitimate need (determined by the service, not the member) to maintain an existing residence during deployment, it's rent will be paid.

No more butthurt over the guy making a killing because his crap is in storage and the wife and kid are with grandma.

Response by SFC Vernon McNabb made Mar 11 at 2015 10:06 AM

2015-03-11T10:06:10-04:00

BAH is for the dependents. They need a place to live while the Soldier is down range. I am a crewchief, and most times we missed chow due to missions. We would have to either skip meals, or buy them.

Response by CW3 Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 11 at 2015 10:38 AM

2015-03-11T10:38:37-04:00

Reservists and Guardsmen own homes in their communities. If I wanted to be mandated to change my residency every so often, I'd have stayed active duty.

Response by 1SG Michael Blount made Mar 11 at 2015 10:49 AM

2015-03-11T10:49:51-04:00

When voting, one should consider Reservists who are married w/kids, etc who really take it on the chin when deployed

Response by SMSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 11 at 2015 11:01 AM

2015-03-11T11:01:55-04:00

We are obligated to support our dependents, part of that is BAH.

Response by TSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 11 at 2015 11:56 AM

2015-03-11T11:56:57-04:00

Well I guess the government needs to funnel more money into votes via welfare, healthcare (while ignoring Vet care), food stamp home games and lifetime political health care/retirement funds. Screw us, right?

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 11 at 2015 11:57 AM

2015-03-11T11:57:27-04:00

I actually agree with PO1 Private RallyPoint Member who said there are variations to this. What is sad is the fraud in the system. Seems even values-based services have greedy people in their ranks (common practice when I was enlisted...marrying another soldier for the benefits, mainly BHA).

Single soldiers, no dependents, okay, maybe no BHA. But this is slightly misplaced as a solution as it applies to this trend of cutting benefits to ease the financial burden on the Army (in our case). We can cut other areas and be more efficient with our spending against our mission and PROBABLE threats (quit spending for the big open desert tank war while non-standard conflicts that quickly devolve into insurgencies seem to be our 50m targets).

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 11 at 2015 12:11 PM

2015-03-11T12:11:15-04:00

BAS no meals are provided however if you are buying a house or have a lease then yes you should recurve BAH.

Response by CPT Zachary Brooks made Mar 11 at 2015 12:25 PM

2015-03-11T12:25:40-04:00

I have heard many times that the military loves families, this due to the fact that you are more likely to stay in if you have more people you have to support. Why would you take away benefits given to a service member that are used to support their family after you have sent the service member overseas and away from that same family?

Response by 1LT Nick Kidwell made Mar 11 at 2015 12:29 PM

2015-03-11T12:29:25-04:00

If you are paying rent/mortgage wherever "home" is, then most certainly you should be receiving BAH.

As far as BAS, is that intended for just the soldier, or any dependents?

Response by LCDR Rabbah Rona Matlow made Mar 11 at 2015 1:09 PM

2015-03-11T13:09:07-04:00

LTC Private RallyPoint Member You could take this to an extreme. Because deployment is a non-permanent condition, yes, you should still get these benefits.

As a Navy officer, when on ships, I had to pay a Wardroom Mess fee, which was always higher than my BAS, so I wasn't getting anything for free. I don't know what it's like in the Army when deployed, but this is the Navy way.

And, there are requirements for minimum square footage for suitable quarters. No Navy stateroom, or conex box in a FOB or any other deployed type shelter meets these requirements.

Besides, what would you do with families in quarters? Kick them out and "send them home" when you deploy?

This is a non-starter...

Response by SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 11 at 2015 1:24 PM

2015-03-11T13:24:02-04:00

When deployed, I still had a family back home to feed, and housing to pay for. Yes, I know those entitlements are "for the Soldier" but this Soldier has an obligation to continuously support his family (regs say you can be UCMJed for failure to support your family).

While deployed, I didn't get to choose my housing, nor those whom I lived with. In Afghanistan, I lived in a 30' CONEX with two other guys. I had about 18 sq ft of living space, and had to go outside and downstairs to use the bathroom or take a shower. Hardly worth my BAH, or even 1/10 of my BAH.

The DFACs at KAF weren't horrible, but the food was definitely NOT worth my BAS.

When I came into the Army, I intended to stay for 20 years. But now, with every little thing that is supposed to be a benefit for serving being slowly taken from us or being chipped away piece by piece, I am seriously doubting the benefit of reenlisting in 2017. These types of questions just make me more sure that there won't be any benefit to continuing to serve.

Response by CPT(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 11 at 2015 2:01 PM

2015-03-11T14:01:59-04:00

As a Guardsmen, I have a career outside of the Military. In my case, that career pays substantially more than the military pay system. If you take me out of my normal job and only pay me the O-3E pay (no BAH) then I would not be able to meet the requirements of my Mortgage.

Response by SGT Michael Hiatt made Mar 11 at 2015 2:07 PM

2015-03-11T14:07:05-04:00

Rent and mortgage payments still roll in and the bills still come. Why should your family do with less money, especially when your gone?

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 11 at 2015 2:37 PM

2015-03-11T14:37:20-04:00

The family needs it and they are part of us.

Response by PFC Nathaniel Thedford made Mar 11 at 2015 2:40 PM

2015-03-11T14:40:02-04:00

No soldier gets payed enough to go to war to potentially sacrifice their lives and if anyone suffers more than the soldiers in battle, it is their family. BAH and BAS should not stop for those holding the homefront down for when they return.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 11 at 2015 2:55 PM

2015-03-11T14:55:33-04:00

I once spent 5 months living out of the back of a truck and sleeping in transient tents with questionable ventilation...I'd of been pissed if the Army considered that "housing."

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 11 at 2015 3:19 PM

2015-03-11T15:19:48-04:00

Because some Soldiers still have family to support back home, bottom line.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 11 at 2015 3:44 PM

2015-03-11T15:44:02-04:00

Going strictly by definition - "The Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) is a U.S. based allowance prescribed by geographic duty location, pay grade, and dependency status. It provides uniformed Service members equitable housing compensation based on housing costs in local civilian housing markets within the United States when government quarters are not provided. A uniformed service member stationed outside the U.S., including U.S. territories and possessions, not furnished government housing, is eligible for Overseas Housing Allowance (OHA)." -- I read that as if a person is not provided government housing, they get BAH...says nothing about being deployed. Your home of record is not "hotter than 1000 burning suns desert, Iraq"...it's (insert town here), so yes, you should get this.

For BAS - "BAS is a continuation of the military tradition of providing room and board (or rations) as part of a servicemember's pay. Although BAS is meant to offset the cost your meals, it is important to note that BAS is not intended to cover the costs of meals for family members. Since January 1, 2002 most enlisted members get full BAS, but they must pay for their own meals, even those provided by the government." - I guess that really means then that we should not get BAS while overseas since meals are provided...or...we should be paying to enter the chowhall and get our normal BAS.

Am I reading the explanations wrong?
"

Response by Capt Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 11 at 2015 4:00 PM

2015-03-11T16:00:34-04:00

Even when you are deployed you still have to pay for your housing or the storage of your things. The only time that you wouldn't is if you are living in government housing but you wouldn't be getting BAH in the first place. If you are provided food then you should only receive a prorated BAS for the days of the month you aren't provided meals.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 11 at 2015 4:20 PM

2015-03-11T16:20:07-04:00

If we are on this topic, there is a way to save money without hindering a Soldiers ability to provide shelter for his/her family. One also not popular I am sure.

How many dual military families do you know? How many senior ranking Soldiers/Officers are married to another senior leader? Lets just take Hawaii for an example. Two SFC's married, one will receive BAH with dependents at the rate of $3,312 while the spouse gets another $2,925.

If the BAH is for the family, in this scenario the family is more than taken care of. In fact I believe that this is the same pay out as if they had no kids. Do they really need $6237 to go live in a million dollar home? Or could this be some of the fat that needs trimmed?

Do dual COL marriages (seen it, and without kids) really need over $8000 a month to live in Hawaii?

If it is for the family, why is it only paid out as "with or without dependents"? Why, if its for the family does a Soldier with one kid receive the same as one with 4? Worse yet, why would a married Soldier with no kids get the same as the Soldier with 4 or 5 kids?

I realize this was whether or not a Soldier should be allotted BAH while deployed. It all revolves around wasted payed out monies. Clearly as BAH is paid out, its a entitlement of the Soldier and should not be taken away now that he/she is over doing the hardest part of the job.

There are many ways to save money before trying or even talking about taking away benefits of someone downrange.

BAS is a no brainer, we are given chow halls and MREs. You're deployed, not on vacation....eat an MRE, you will live.

Response by SFC Boots Attaway made Mar 11 at 2015 5:06 PM

2015-03-11T17:06:43-04:00

BAH, YES: BAS, NO. When I was stationed in Korea both time I was married. My BAS (Sep Rats) was cut off but I continued to get BAH because I still had a home (Apt) to maintain for my wife to live in. The same should still apply today as married soldiers still have to maintain a roof over their families heads.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 11 at 2015 5:15 PM

2015-03-11T17:15:57-04:00

Yes we should if we are a single income household with dependants then we should be entitled to bah and bas. Our families don't stop having needs just because we are deployed

Response by PO2 David Hagwood made Mar 11 at 2015 6:21 PM

2015-03-11T18:21:06-04:00

Keep the BAH for dependents, the BAS is for the SM; so the BAS should be deducted since sustenance is provided during deployment.

Response by SSG James N. made Mar 11 at 2015 7:01 PM

2015-03-11T19:01:40-04:00

When we deployed, we did not move our families out of the privatized home. When we deployed, we suffered MRE's day after day while in theater far many more enjoyed three hots a day getting fat in a mess hall.
Had the government taken partial BAH, what would happen to our home that took every cent of FULL BAH? Would these greedy folk be happy with partial payment? I think not! Would it be right to force one warrior to pay for MRE's three times a day whilst his POG counterpart paid for the luxurious mess hall's chow, washing it down with issued Red Bull and Rip Its?

This seems such an ignorant, not to well though out question for a Captain to pose. Sir, I must ask, how well did you think this through before asking?
knowing that every cent of BAH is taken by either a rental company, or those in charge of privatized housing, had you thought about what would happen when partial BAH is taken away? Had you considered the meals of those who are out in patrols versus those who sit in an air conditioned office, and the food available to each? The more I look at the questions here, the more they just do not seem very well thought out, and thought out to their potential ends.

Response by MSgt Robin Sheehan made Mar 11 at 2015 7:02 PM

2015-03-11T19:02:01-04:00

BAH definitely, BAS maybe not. We still have to maintain a residence while deployed.

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 11 at 2015 7:30 PM

2015-03-11T19:30:28-04:00

if it's authorized, i want every penny. rules are rules, are rules.

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 11 at 2015 7:38 PM

2015-03-11T19:38:17-04:00

I think you should have added a little background about your current situation. Are you single, married, children?

Either could make your opinion about the matter very biased.

I could go one step further and I ask why do married people with children get additional money for their dependents when they are doing the same job and their single counterparts. As a single person with no children I'm biased and those with children are biased as well in many ways with how we answer such question. For me, if it's authorized, I want every penny, until the moment it becomes unauthorized.

Response by SPC Todd Hanson made Mar 11 at 2015 7:48 PM

2015-03-11T19:48:08-04:00

As a single soldier when I deployed having the extra BAS was good. As it allowed me to save up more money. I don't like the money should be taken away as it is a deployment entitlement for free meals.

Response by SP5 Richard Maze made Mar 11 at 2015 9:31 PM

2015-03-11T21:31:59-04:00

If you have a residence, a home or an apartment, you have to pay rent or your mortgage, unless you sell the house or move out of the apartment before you leave. If you have a family, they have to live somewhere while you are gone. BAS is a different matter. Live would be easier if it stopped when deployed, paid when you are buying your own food, but we all know that there is a lot about military compensation that doesn't take the easy way to a solution.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 11 at 2015 10:03 PM

2015-03-11T22:03:26-04:00

I definitely think BAH should be given to all members while deployed! I disagree with it only being allotted to individual with dependents... I'm single... When I deployed, my rent didn't stop. Yes, I could of moved my belongings out and paid for storage and then upon return move my belongings again... That shouldn't be the case. Just because I lack dependents does not mean I don't have the same bills! The cost just might not be as high (hence the difference in BAH to begin with).

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 11 at 2015 10:19 PM

2015-03-11T22:19:50-04:00

Remember, we married service members still have at minimum a spouse back home and they may or may not be employed. Regardless of whether or not they reside on or off post that BAH helps. Now BAS as a married service member may be another question. I know the entitlements may not amount to enough to cover rent and utilities.

Response by COL Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 11 at 2015 11:16 PM

2015-03-11T23:16:59-04:00

BAH - definitely yes. Soldiers still have to pay for their rent while deployed.

BAS - probably not. BAS is intended for the soldiers to pay for their daily personal meals. For officers the amount is negligible in comparison to the rest of their pay. Even when I was a 2LT I didn't see the point of BAS for officers.

AS it pertains to BAS for enlisted, I'd rather give the enlisted members a pay raise than to pay BAS. Managing BAS is administratively burdensome depending on their status (active vs, reserve, mess availability or none, etc). I am almost sure that if we do a thorough analysis of the costs to manage BAS payments to soldiers, we are better off by eliminating the BAS, and giving the enlisted members a reasonable pay increase commensurate to their rank, and to make up for any additional tax burdens resulting from the pay raise.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 11 at 2015 11:34 PM

2015-03-11T23:34:57-04:00

Yes, I still pay rent so my family has a place to stay and they also like to eat from time to time...

Response by MAJ Byron Oyler made Mar 12 at 2015 12:17 AM

2015-03-12T00:17:30-04:00

If you have a house you are maintaining in the rear, single or not, you still need to take care of it.

Response by SPC Ronald Larson made Mar 12 at 2015 1:08 AM

2015-03-12T01:08:15-04:00

Why not if anyone deserves the extra pay its Service Members

Response by SGT Joseph Jones made Mar 12 at 2015 1:45 AM

2015-03-12T01:45:57-04:00

Absolutely my wife and children still have to pay the mortgage when I was gone. My life in the states is on hold while I'm gone. To get BAH while deployed you have to show a lease or mortgage papers. So it isn't given to everyone.

Response by SSG Leonard Johnson made Mar 12 at 2015 1:51 AM

2015-03-12T01:51:09-04:00

interesting Question....and I believe to be a ethics question also.
I don't know...I was always told that BAQ (that what it called back in 80's early 90's) back the I was told it was for our dependents. In a way they are right.
However this would leave a undo hardship on Joe and family.
Idea....as soon as the legislative and executive branch as well as the judicial take a 80-90 % pay cut....then maybe we can work on something. these fat cats get paid good even without a salary from uncle sugar

Response by Cpl Lorne Houle made Mar 12 at 2015 1:59 AM

2015-03-12T01:59:36-04:00

Just because you're deployed doesn't mean you don't have rent to pay when you're gone. You can get out of your lease but what if you still want to live there when you get back?

Response by SGT Joseph Jones made Mar 12 at 2015 2:26 AM

2015-03-12T02:26:15-04:00

its crazy this is even a discussion considering the benefits the families of government gets. The senators and Congressmen and presidents wife all have drivers and security free house. The president doesn't have to pay for a house or electric or anything he chooses to send us to war. Yet he makes 400k+. A year. He can buy 3 service members a home each year and still live well. The rest of the cabinet can as well. Then he will recieve retirement for life after 4 years of earning the most money anyone does in this country. While we have to do 20+ years to retire. Most presidents retire from other offices to become president. If we make cuts that should be where. Not at the bottom Guard men and Women and Reservists can not afford to leave a job that pays 50k plus a year to earn 30k a year max. Especially a young E-4,5 with a family. That's why so many of us left military after deploying we see the real world makes on average 2x as much as we do to protect the rights. If anything we should be discussing a military pay raise and government cuts. Even Representatives make great money compared.

Response by SGT Joseph Jones made Mar 12 at 2015 2:40 AM

2015-03-12T02:40:54-04:00

Look at the 0-6 & O-8 pays at $6900-10k+

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 12 at 2015 5:20 AM

2015-03-12T05:20:51-04:00

This shouldn't be a debate. The obvious answer is Soldiers receiving BAH have dependents that still need to get taken care of so they still need to receive BAH.

Response by Maj Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 12 at 2015 6:44 AM

2015-03-12T06:44:16-04:00

Financial responsibilities continue on while a service member deploys, especially if he or she has dependents. In regards to BAH, some members are told they cannot live in military housing forcing them to live on the economy (privatized housing on the installation or off base). These companies expect a consistent paycheck whether or not the service member is deployed. For BAS, I believe it is also necessary since the member may not be able to eat the the dining facility while deployed. BAS helps offset food expenses wherever the member is located.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 12 at 2015 7:36 AM

2015-03-12T07:36:31-04:00

Example if single: Given short notice deployment orders where government storage of household goods is not available, a person is required to move stuff into personal sotrage or maintain a residence with people to watch over their stuff. How do I know? It happened to me.

Response by MSgt Carrie Wright made Mar 12 at 2015 7:53 AM

2015-03-12T07:53:51-04:00

Without a doubt. Your house payments or rent don't go away and your BAS is to support your family as well.

Response by SPC Neil Hood made Mar 12 at 2015 8:28 AM

2015-03-12T08:28:18-04:00

I think you should due to bills that don't evaporate while deployed. I.E. Mortgages and Car notes.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 12 at 2015 11:59 AM

2015-03-12T11:59:00-04:00

If you have a household(dependents) to maintain then yes. If single without dependents then a smaller allowance to maintain storage for your belongings is fair.

Response by SFC Michael Hasbun made Mar 12 at 2015 12:08 PM

2015-03-12T12:08:11-04:00

Because our families magically dissapear into magic pocket universes with Star Trek style replicators while we are deployed?

Response by CW3 Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 12 at 2015 12:44 PM

2015-03-12T12:44:03-04:00

BAH, it's for the dependent, not necessarily the service member. That's why they (the dependent) are by regulation entitled to it even in the process of a divorce with no kids (although the amount by regulation they are entitled to is a portion equal to non locality rate).

Response by SGT Gabriel G. made Mar 12 at 2015 1:40 PM

2015-03-12T13:40:29-04:00

I think so, especially with a family. I was married and my daughter was an infant when I went to Iraq, so we couldn't have paid the bills without BAH, as my wife at the time didn't work.

Response by SN Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 12 at 2015 1:50 PM

2015-03-12T13:50:25-04:00

Whether you have a family or a house/apartment back in the states, when you deploy your payments back home do not stop.

Response by LT Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 12 at 2015 2:32 PM

2015-03-12T14:32:56-04:00

I still have to support my wife and daughter when I'm deployed. Just because I am overseas does not mean that I don't have a mortgage and other bills to pay.

Response by SGT Bryon Sergent made Mar 12 at 2015 2:33 PM

2015-03-12T14:33:11-04:00

Does the deployed soldiers loss there dependents and the bills or house costs that we have when we are home just disappear? do they just vanish like a fart in the wind? No the families stay behind and still have to pay the bills that can't be paid on the base salary. The bills don't go away just because we are deployed. still have the rent and the electric and the phones, and the Ect, Ect, Ect...........

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 12 at 2015 2:51 PM

2015-03-12T14:51:39-04:00

I find this question a little silly, regarding BAH anyway. Consider the families living on post. When the Soldier deploys, are they to move out? Or are we to start charging them rent? Of course not. NEXT.

Response by LTC Dallas Powell made Mar 12 at 2015 2:53 PM

2015-03-12T14:53:28-04:00

Why is this even a question?

Response by SGT Corey Franks made Mar 12 at 2015 3:03 PM

2015-03-12T15:03:16-04:00

Dependents yes....

Response by CSM David Heidke made Mar 12 at 2015 3:05 PM

2015-03-12T15:05:21-04:00

So my kids don't eat when I leave? I don't still have a mortgage payment?

If you want to mobilize a reserve component Soldier, then you have to pay the price.

Response by CPO Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 12 at 2015 3:10 PM

2015-03-12T15:10:37-04:00

I give that a big yes. Many members are not provided Govt housing and still need to pay for housing for their families while they are on deployment.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 12 at 2015 3:38 PM

2015-03-12T15:38:50-04:00

If you look at regulations, for those with dependents, the BAH is theirs, not yours. Taking this away would put everyone in a hardship as it is still your responsibility to provide housing/food for your dependents. In addition to this, would it make sense to have to move all your stuff into storage, shut off all your bills, pay for a storage facility, then on return have to find a new place to live, get your utilities turned back on, and move again every single time you deploy or go TDY? As is, there is no time allotted for house hunting after a PCS/TDY. Granted you get R&R time, but seriously who would be happy about having to spend this time moving?

I do feel that you should be required to prove that you were paying for a house/apt during this time though to put a stop to those putting their stuff in storage and making huge profit off of the BAH during a deployment.

Response by SR Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 12 at 2015 3:42 PM

2015-03-12T15:42:25-04:00

BAH/BAS for everyone, regardless of their decision to have dependents.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 12 at 2015 4:19 PM

2015-03-12T16:19:16-04:00

BAH since we still have to pay rent or mortgage especially to support your family back home, but BAS should not be paid out if meals are provided....

Response by PO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 12 at 2015 4:46 PM

2015-03-12T16:46:37-04:00

This is the dumbest question I've ever heard. First, I don't get BAS when I'm deployed or attached to a ship because the food is provided in the ship's galley. Second, I still have to pay my landlord the full rent regardless of whether I'm on the boat and underway or if I'm inport and home most nights.

Response by TSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 12 at 2015 5:43 PM

2015-03-12T17:43:34-04:00

I have already heard many of my single SM friends that don't understand why those with dependants get more BAH as it is. I couldn just imagine the uproar if we tried to take away the BAH or BAS from those without dependants. Though the only thing that I think should ever be considered would be the BAS for those single SMs that are deployed/being provided food free of charge at the DFAC.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 12 at 2015 6:07 PM

2015-03-12T18:07:21-04:00

If you have family, mortgage and utility bills of course. If the GOV wants to save money on deployment, how about no R&R and give additional 15 days at end of tour, that would save $500 million + just in air fare cost. Also duplication of equipment in theater that they are paying for start air, just leave in place and establish GFE permanent in theater. That would safe a lot of $s too.

Response by PO2 Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 12 at 2015 7:35 PM

2015-03-12T19:35:29-04:00

I vote YES you should, my phone scrolled up when I tried to vote and I hit the wrong one by accident. I hate delays in technology!!!

Response by MSgt Robert Carter made Mar 12 at 2015 8:29 PM

2015-03-12T20:29:08-04:00

You should get housing because you still have to maintain a home. BAS maybe not, it isn't for your dependents, it's for you and you are already getting it. On the other hand you do have to pay for your meals in the chow hall if you get BAS, so it shouldn't matter.

Response by SGT Alan Kleimeyer made Mar 12 at 2015 8:38 PM

2015-03-12T20:38:46-04:00

Mortgages and rent are not put on hold by deployment, so BAH should definitely continue. BAS, being for the SM to eat, should not be paid because you receive meals in the chow hall and can claim your meal expenses incurred on travel days on your travel allowance.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 12 at 2015 9:20 PM

2015-03-12T21:20:41-04:00

When you have a place and dependents, then yes. It's not like when I deploy, my family and rent/mortgage just vanishes into thin air.

Response by SSG Stacy Carter made Mar 12 at 2015 9:55 PM

2015-03-12T21:55:15-04:00

BAH should continue as you are required to maintain a household for your family. Just because you deploy doesn't mean that you have to stop paying the rent. As for BAS, yes it should stop.. BAS is specifically for the service member not for the family. While deployed you are provided mess facilities.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 12 at 2015 11:38 PM

2015-03-12T23:38:40-04:00

Absolutely you should get it. Still required to maintain a mortgage while deployed.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 13 at 2015 2:40 AM

2015-03-13T02:40:08-04:00

BAH is for a Soldier's family......not a source of income to pay a mortgage. That said, clearly the regulatory guidance is there for a reason. The initial question of the post is clearly hypothetical, thus the "should" aspect and not the "what is the policy" aspect.

Response by CMC Robert Young made Mar 13 at 2015 3:40 AM

2015-03-13T03:40:26-04:00

Yes because most of us aren't leaving a location to which we will never return. When deployment is over, we're going back to the same house.

If you're not getting BAH, who pays the mortgage on our homes (empty or dependents either way)?

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 13 at 2015 8:40 AM

2015-03-13T08:40:08-04:00

Like others are saying on here, just because you are deployed does not mean you have no responsibility back home. A lot of people own a home, the mortgage payment doesnt stop. If you have a wife and kids, they still need to be able to maintain the home and pay all the bills. I know the BAS is designed for the service member, but that helps put food on the table for your family too. There is no way BAH and BAS shoudl stop. Thats my opinion anyhow...

Response by MSgt Melanie Denise made Mar 13 at 2015 8:58 AM

2015-03-13T08:58:26-04:00

Most that reside off base, will not be moving and storing their household goods when they deploy, married or not. Housing allowance should continue. However, BAS is a member's entitlement, not linked to dependents. If you are deployed, there is no reason for BAS to continue.

Response by PO2 Vince Chmiel made Mar 13 at 2015 10:28 AM

2015-03-13T10:28:57-04:00

BAH should continue. Another posted that rent/mortgage doesnt stop when you deploy. Even if you do move out of a housing unit, you will incur storage unit costs.
BAS could stop for the full months deployed, less any days not provided with meals (shore leave/liberty).

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 13 at 2015 10:31 AM

2015-03-13T10:31:57-04:00

Both BAH and BAS don't only help service members that live in non-government housing it also helps the family members of that service member while they are deployed. I think that if you are a service member with no dependants then maybe not receive the full, but those thay do should still get full BAH and BAS.

Response by SFC William Swartz Jr made Mar 13 at 2015 11:24 AM

2015-03-13T11:24:19-04:00

BAH yes, the money is provided for the servicemember to secure housing for their dependents, this does not change simply due to my being deployed, doesn't matter whether or not I was "issued a family" or not, I have one and the BAH provides for their housing. BAS, depends on the type of deployment IMO, while deployed to OIF and OIF-III where meals were provided I would say no, go ahead and take the separate rations, but then again there were a lot of times that rations other than MREs were not available due to missions or loactions, so I am fifty-fifty on that one. While deployed to Kuwait in support of Op New Dawn as a SFC I was paying for my meals so in this instance no, as I needed the BAS for my food.

Response by SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 13 at 2015 12:24 PM

2015-03-13T12:24:06-04:00

Yes, because if you have dependents they don't come with you and rent or mortgage will still have to be paid. As far as BAS goes, technically you shouldn't get that because BAS is meant for food for the Soldier but most use it for their families too.

Response by PO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 13 at 2015 12:38 PM

2015-03-13T12:38:08-04:00

Single=no; married=geo-bachelor

Response by SSG Buddy Kemper made Mar 13 at 2015 1:23 PM

2015-03-13T13:23:25-04:00

Yes....unless you want to double it?

Response by CW5 Sam R. Baker made Mar 13 at 2015 2:16 PM

2015-03-13T14:16:08-04:00

So LTC Private RallyPoint Member, is it a headed or heated debate? LMBO!

Response by CW4 Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 13 at 2015 3:27 PM

2015-03-13T15:27:32-04:00

Yes! Your financial obligations do not stop as a deployed service member. Although you are protected from certain things, you still have to maintain your household regardless of status.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 13 at 2015 3:33 PM

2015-03-13T15:33:57-04:00

You only get BAH if you do NOT live on base, which is either due to overcrowding or youre a reservist. I don't understand why this is even a topic. BAH isn't required in most instances as the military doesn't need to pay for a service member's housing if they live on base, as its 'paid' for already, but a reservist who is called to duty knows there is a usually tremendous pay gap if they only have pay and not BAH. Its not rocket science, the civilian sector has MUCH higher wages, so the DoD should mitigate or atleast have decency to make up the difference somewhat.

Response by SGT Frank Leonardo made Mar 13 at 2015 4:22 PM

2015-03-13T16:22:04-04:00

if you are getting before you are deployed you should continue to get it when deployed

Response by PO2 Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 13 at 2015 7:35 PM

2015-03-13T19:35:17-04:00

Why are we really even asking this question? Of course a portion of the reason we do this job is to be part of something greater than ourselves and to protect those back home but lets be realistic. Were not at the point where people are going to do this job for free. Instead of taking more and more away from the people doing all the work for what is sometimes not nearly enough money lets take away from the "CEO's" i mean politicians who are getting several hundred thousand in wages and kickbacks and stop snubbing the working man!

Response by SSG William Sutter made Mar 14 at 2015 6:04 AM

2015-03-14T06:04:58-04:00

BAH is for dependent housing. Not for the Soldier. So yes on that part. BAS no we shouldn't. BAS is for the Soldier to eat. Not the dependent.

Response by Lt Col Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 14 at 2015 11:23 AM

2015-03-14T11:23:18-04:00

If you plan to come back to your home, you probably have to keep paying the bills. Just saying.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 14 at 2015 12:29 PM

2015-03-14T12:29:57-04:00

BAH should still be given to service members that have dependents back home. Many service members are the sole source of income for their families and without BAH their dependents could end up without a home or a means of support.

Response by Lt Col Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 14 at 2015 12:44 PM

2015-03-14T12:44:07-04:00

My rent does not go away when I deploy. I still pay that, I still pay for utilities minus cable and cell phone. One could say you could move out and put all your stuff in storage. That would be a huge hardship IMO. There are a bunch of reasons this is unacceptable to even suggest. In some markets finding a place to rent isn't that easy. Also not everyone rents. Some people buy a property and still have to pay their mortgage. Unless congress were to enact a law to freeze mortgages for deployed personnel, which will never happen, then it would be a substantial loss of income.

As long as you are maintaining a lease or mortgage you should continue to get it. The government can find ways to get money without screwing us over at very turn.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 14 at 2015 1:27 PM

2015-03-14T13:27:39-04:00

Wait. Single soldiers receive BAH while deployed? Really? Hmm...
Well, I wouldn't really consider it as "housing" when you live with no privacy, and in a place with no amenities most of the time.

Response by SGT David Greth made Mar 14 at 2015 8:44 PM

2015-03-14T20:44:57-04:00

BAH -- Yes, this is to primarily assist with off post housing and families. Single troops authorized to live off post and receiving BAH, No. They can put items into storage, etc.

BAS -- No. That is an allocation for meals for the troop, not the families. When deployed BAS should stop.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 18 at 2015 4:15 PM

2015-03-18T16:15:25-04:00

I believe that those living in the barracks, to include young officers in the on-base barracks should not receive any more money than they are in garrison. Those with dependents count on that money to take care of their residence for their dependents, even the SM's BAS is counted into that income. When they go to the field it is taken, but never processed timely so the SM can account for the lower pay for one or two pay periods.

Response by COL Jon Thompson made Mar 22 at 2015 7:09 PM

2015-03-22T19:09:28-04:00

Most mobilized Soldiers have a house "back home" whether it is a mortgage or rental. I think for those that have families, this is a no-brainer. It might get trickier with single Soldiers but I mobilized three times as a divorced Officer with no dependents living with me. I had a mortgage to pay while I was deployed and used my BAH for that. I do think that BAS should stop if meals are provided in kind just like it used to be when I was on active duty and went to the field.

Response by SFC(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 25 at 2015 2:26 PM

2015-03-25T14:26:55-04:00

BAH is for your dependents. BAS is for you. If you are receiving food overseas, then you shouldn't be getting BAS.

Response by SFC Dean Korst made Mar 25 at 2015 2:58 PM

2015-03-25T14:58:58-04:00

Yes if your Married and Deployed you definitely should receive BAH and BAS along with Family Separation Allowance.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 8 at 2015 9:03 AM

2015-04-08T09:03:07-04:00

Absolutely! Otherwise Soldiers would be taking a pay cut with increased risks. And what would be the point of that? Also, having dependents is immaterial, especially when Soldiers are assuming the same risk.

Did you know that Soldiers, despite being provided food and shelter, get full BAH and BAS when they go to a military school?

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 9 at 2015 6:38 AM

2015-04-09T06:38:50-04:00

This is a selfish question. Whether or not the Soldier has dependents should have no bearing on his or her BAH. The Service-member has their own personal financial obligation that need their attention, and oh by the way they can do whatever they want with their money, whether to make investments or assist their relatives. Most single Soldiers take necessary and dangerous risk to keep us safe in combat, so whoever post this I believe your intentions are selfish.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 9 at 2015 7:00 AM

2015-04-09T07:00:00-04:00

If you would like to pay military members for what they deserve during deployment they should lose BAS but be given about a 450% base pay increase for extra hours worked.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 9 at 2015 7:09 AM

2015-04-09T07:09:09-04:00

If the goal here is to save money, how about we take away everyone's printers. I could certainly do without the reams of printed emails, enormous packets, and various bureaucratic junk I'm handed each day.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 22 at 2015 8:32 PM

2015-04-22T20:32:18-04:00

In addition, if you take away BAH you take a massive pay cut while deployed. What sense would that make. And it's not just those with dependents, single E6 and above often buy houses. Mortgages don't go away while deployed.

Response by SGM Bill Frazer made Mar 13 at 2018 1:32 PM

2018-03-13T13:32:58-04:00

I never got both full- full BAH, yes, because my family had to have a roof over their head- got NO, 0, BAS because the Army was feeding me.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 29 at 2018 2:52 AM

2018-11-29T02:52:43-05:00

Because we still have a family in a house back home that didn’t deploy with us to pay for.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 27 at 2019 12:22 PM

2019-06-27T12:22:02-04:00

All service members get BAS. State side or deployed. The Active single soldiers in quarters have meal deductions. Active duty that are PCS orders in theater rather than TCS orders will have meal deductions even if they are married. National Guard and Reserve will have no meal deductions.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Jun 27 at 2019 4:22 PM

2019-06-27T16:22:59-04:00

Married soldiers need BAH. In regards to BAS, I think it's the military's way of financially supporting everyone who is deployed.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 2 at 2020 2:03 PM

2020-01-02T14:03:57-05:00

BAH is part of our overall pay...I don't take a pay cut at work depending where I'm working. Per diem is like BAS. If you're able to have access to food you don't need it. That being said, MRE's don't qualify as a hot meal. They're a last resort, let's be honest.

Response by SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member made May 1 at 2021 10:53 AM

2021-05-01T10:53:26-04:00

I say no. If you have a spouse she can work to pay the bills. There are lots of single mothers who support them selves.
I am a single soldiers e5 I don't get bah and have a house paying out of pocket.
If I can so can married soldiers and single senior enlisted can as well. In the civilian world no one is covering another man's rent.
I personally thing married or not regardless of rank. If you can't pay bills out of pocket have them build married soldier barracks and senior nco barracks.