Posted on Mar 11, 2015
Should we really get BAH and BAS if we are deployed?
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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?
BAH
Deployment
Military Pay
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 122
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LTC (Join to see)
SGT Corey Franks why only if you have dependents? As other said, reservists have houses too as they do not live in barracks.
And as far as BAS it is for individuals not for dependents, so why only for dependents?
And as far as BAS it is for individuals not for dependents, so why only for dependents?
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SGT Corey Franks
You only get BAS if you do not live in the barracks. Actually I think its an option if you live in the Barracks. Why would reservists get BAH. (I don't know if they do or not) I thought that was only for Active duty.
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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.
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LTC (Join to see)
MAJ (Join to see) in the reserves we do not just pack up our houses and put stuff into storage, even if we are single. I have an LT about to deploy now and he would lose his rent controlled apartment in NYC if that was the case.
How about BAS?
How about BAS?
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MAJ (Join to see)
Fair point.. Everyone has different circumstances that could warrant leaving it on. BAS should be turned off if you are receiving meals at the DFAC.
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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?
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Maj (Join to see)
Good point, Cpl Houle! Some deployed members would like a home to come back to upon return. That's why my roommate and I decided to keep the apartment while we were both deployed so we didn't have to worry about relocating.
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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
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
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LTC (Join to see)
SSG Leonard Johnson BAH is for the family is a shorts. How about BAS as that is for the individual.
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SSG Leonard Johnson
You know CPT...that good ? too....I think it would depend if Joe owns property or not...If he renting....I guess I can understand taking it back while deployed
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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.
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SGT Joseph Jones
I can't say I ever recall getting BAS because I was fed. I only got it if we were staying somewhere for training that we weren't fed. We always were fed so I don't recall getting it. I don't think anyone should. Unless they are feeding themselves. I did work with a recruiter and we had to apply for BAH weekly and it wasn't much. When deployed definitely not. If you look at some chow halls in country these days
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If you have a house you are maintaining in the rear, single or not, you still need to take care of it.
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MAJ Byron Oyler
If you have dependents yes. If not, you either pay for your meals in the field or they stop the BAS is the typical rule. Considering the food at Bagram, I ate more than BSA at the time and they can keep it.
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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.
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LTC (Join to see)
SSG (Join to see) my way to respond to that is your "needs" are exceeding your allowances. That is why I think if you live on post if they are taking 100% of your BAH they should give you internet and the same cable IHG would have at the hotel. I you want to upgrade it is on you. You should have it all. If you live off post go under your BAH and factor in how much utilities would be to be under BAH. That is why it is tax free. It is supposed to cover it.
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SSG (Join to see)
I agree with you sir. I remember as a single and married soldier living off post that my rent, water, elec and directv were less than my BAH.
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PO2 Vince Chmiel
Not that I would ever advocate this, but while I was forward deployed, I received OHA, not BAH. Overseas Housing Allowance worked a bit different. You were allotted a max OHA, but only got the max if your rent was that high. If you were allotted a max of $2,000 and your rent was $1200, you only received the $1200. If the service really wanted to cut down on costs, they should consider this prior to eliminating BAH altogether for those on deployment.
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