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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Suspended Profile
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.
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.
LTC (Join to see)
SSG James Noar I never have and never plan on letting those "blood sucking BAH seeking agencies" rent me a house. I have either lived in Army lodging as a LT at school in BOQ then off post or in the AGR program someone near the Reserves Center. I live under the BAH level to include electric, cable, etc. I do not believe in making the richer richer. I love my guns and I do not want them locked up on post where it is hard to get Congress and the UN to approve me pulling them out to use them. If you were forced to go with onpost or contracted I feel sorry for you and I wish you had a better experience.
BAH is unfair to begin with. It goes up for those with dependents. What did they do that I did not? They got married or had a kid or adopted their parents. That is it. They bring just as much to the fight as me, but they get paid more for housing than I do. BAS is for the Soldiers only not for the families.
The questions are legit. If we are cutting funds everywhere else and cutting jobs what is more important to you? Jobs or benefits? If you are using the benefit like many said that they were reservists with a house and mortgage so they will always have payment. Makes sense. BAS well let's face it food is food and it comes out poop no matter what. So if you eat in the DFAC and sit on a FOB or go eat an MRE or out on the economy in some village in the dirt you will be pooping it out later. The government provided you with a free meal. If you ate it that was your choice. If not, that is your call too.
Just trying to stir people to think of where we could cut if we were in charge.
In all I would say we would keep the BAH and cut the BAS. In reality I am like most of you and gladly took whatever pay I got and took it to the bank. Just starting conversation as we are in a bad way with the budget and it will only get worse.
BAH is unfair to begin with. It goes up for those with dependents. What did they do that I did not? They got married or had a kid or adopted their parents. That is it. They bring just as much to the fight as me, but they get paid more for housing than I do. BAS is for the Soldiers only not for the families.
The questions are legit. If we are cutting funds everywhere else and cutting jobs what is more important to you? Jobs or benefits? If you are using the benefit like many said that they were reservists with a house and mortgage so they will always have payment. Makes sense. BAS well let's face it food is food and it comes out poop no matter what. So if you eat in the DFAC and sit on a FOB or go eat an MRE or out on the economy in some village in the dirt you will be pooping it out later. The government provided you with a free meal. If you ate it that was your choice. If not, that is your call too.
Just trying to stir people to think of where we could cut if we were in charge.
In all I would say we would keep the BAH and cut the BAS. In reality I am like most of you and gladly took whatever pay I got and took it to the bank. Just starting conversation as we are in a bad way with the budget and it will only get worse.
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Suspended Profile
BAH, is rated at the local economic level to make housing affordable for anyone who enters military service. The dependent level, does not differentiate between 1 child/wife, or 1 wife, or 1 wife/3boys. It is either 1 rate or the other.
A SSG @ 20 makes the same amount of money per month as a O3 @ 4(may be O 2, it's been a while). The placement of GI's upon arrival at a duty station can be issued(on post/contracted), or it can be 'on the economy'. The one common thread anywhere near a military base, however, is the rate of housing is the same. Private rental companies, or individuals all know the current rates and insure they get as much as possible to what it takes for the base rental + utilities. Rank has no bearing on this as BAH is BAH or BAH with dependents. Rental people know this rate, and upon receiving the application will apply either rate as required.
The only way to stop this is to go in feet first to a new assignment, buying a home, and hoping you will remain there for at least 7 years to make your money back.
The rate of BAS and what warriors are fed in theater will never be fair, nor will it be simple to differentiate between some POG getting fat in Dragon's mess hall, or the guy who lives outside the wire eating MRE's for three to five days at a time. The quality of the meal, however is hugely different and BAS would be difficult to pro rate due to a huge amount of paperwork, or time away from the job filling out online or computer boxes. Imagine my patrol squad(10 individuals) returning from a five day patrol, and going straight to S1 Main so they could one, wait in line, then two, sit each one separately to conduct the entries for BAS differentiation. Now multiply this times the MRF, the QRF, four patrol groups, PRT's, Surveillance and Recon teams, et cetera. Do you see where this system fails when trying to differentiate BAS in theater now? This task alone would overload any S1 Main such as those found on Bagram or Kandahar.
To differentiate either BAH, or BAS takes far more man hours than could be cost effective. Trying to manage this would take several more people off the battlefield, or require even more back on the main bases(where they would get fat on hot meals, green beans coffee, and living the life of Riley while others get the suck outside the wire.
A SSG @ 20 makes the same amount of money per month as a O3 @ 4(may be O 2, it's been a while). The placement of GI's upon arrival at a duty station can be issued(on post/contracted), or it can be 'on the economy'. The one common thread anywhere near a military base, however, is the rate of housing is the same. Private rental companies, or individuals all know the current rates and insure they get as much as possible to what it takes for the base rental + utilities. Rank has no bearing on this as BAH is BAH or BAH with dependents. Rental people know this rate, and upon receiving the application will apply either rate as required.
The only way to stop this is to go in feet first to a new assignment, buying a home, and hoping you will remain there for at least 7 years to make your money back.
The rate of BAS and what warriors are fed in theater will never be fair, nor will it be simple to differentiate between some POG getting fat in Dragon's mess hall, or the guy who lives outside the wire eating MRE's for three to five days at a time. The quality of the meal, however is hugely different and BAS would be difficult to pro rate due to a huge amount of paperwork, or time away from the job filling out online or computer boxes. Imagine my patrol squad(10 individuals) returning from a five day patrol, and going straight to S1 Main so they could one, wait in line, then two, sit each one separately to conduct the entries for BAS differentiation. Now multiply this times the MRF, the QRF, four patrol groups, PRT's, Surveillance and Recon teams, et cetera. Do you see where this system fails when trying to differentiate BAS in theater now? This task alone would overload any S1 Main such as those found on Bagram or Kandahar.
To differentiate either BAH, or BAS takes far more man hours than could be cost effective. Trying to manage this would take several more people off the battlefield, or require even more back on the main bases(where they would get fat on hot meals, green beans coffee, and living the life of Riley while others get the suck outside the wire.
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Keep the BAH for dependents, the BAS is for the SM; so the BAS should be deducted since sustenance is provided during deployment.
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LTC (Join to see)
PO2 David Hagwood I take it you are married or have dependents? I, unfortunately, have come to realize while there are some who would have you believe that there are only double standards for females and certain schools, there really are different treatment for those with dependents and those who are single. I am single and if I had a house I might lose it if they took the BAH for deployment just because I am single does not mean I do not own a house. In fact many of those with dependents do not have their own house but rent as well.
I agree though if anything keep BAH, but for all to be fair, and then take away BAS.
I agree though if anything keep BAH, but for all to be fair, and then take away BAS.
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PO2 David Hagwood
I agree with you, and you're correct that I am married; so I was thinking of this from the perspective of a married man. Of course those who are authorized BAH because of their grade, they should be able to keep it so that it would not cause any hardship to the SM if they are a home owner, like yourself. The deployment does not change the fact you still have a mortgage payment, taxes, home owner's insurance, etc.
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Suspended Profile
PO2, your argument does not consider all individuals who are forward. You cannot differentiate BAS easily without adding more assets than it is worth at the forward bases. As you know, forward assignment has to levels. Level 1 is outside the wire in the suck, and level 2 is getting fat, enjoying green beans and smoking PX cigars on the main bases.
AS I stated on the good Captain's words earlier, consider five patrol groups, PRT's, Surveillance teams, MRF's, QRF's, and every other outside the wire unit all coming into S1 Main(big building on Bagram) to file BAS differentiation paperwork, and considering, in my case, I have been living on MRE's for five days while this POG in a clean sweet smelling uniform has not? Do you see where the premises become unsound and invalid?
AS I stated on the good Captain's words earlier, consider five patrol groups, PRT's, Surveillance teams, MRF's, QRF's, and every other outside the wire unit all coming into S1 Main(big building on Bagram) to file BAS differentiation paperwork, and considering, in my case, I have been living on MRE's for five days while this POG in a clean sweet smelling uniform has not? Do you see where the premises become unsound and invalid?
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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.
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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?
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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?
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LTC (Join to see)
MAJ (Join to see) I agree with your interpretation for BAS. For BAH, your HOR does not matter for the BAH. I HOR is in PA but I am stationed and live in NY. I vote and everything else in PA. If you received a TCS order for Afghanistan that is your new home/station right? Did the military provide you with housing? It has been awhile but I did not have to hunt for a cave to live in. As they can always change, as all regulations can, do you feel that they should?
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Rent and mortgage payments still roll in and the bills still come. Why should your family do with less money, especially when your gone?
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LTC (Join to see)
SGT Michael Hiatt how about BAS? That is meant just for you and there is less bills or at least lower when you are gone.
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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.
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CPT(P) (Join to see)
I think BAS can pretty much go away across the board (even while not deployed). If the Army is feeding me. I don't need additional money to eat as such on a deployment get rid of it.
As for when the Army isnt feeding me (stateside) thats what my pay check is for. My civilian employer (who I am salaried with) doesnt provide me additional money because I need to eat, why should my Uncle Sam.
As for when the Army isnt feeding me (stateside) thats what my pay check is for. My civilian employer (who I am salaried with) doesnt provide me additional money because I need to eat, why should my Uncle Sam.
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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?
As far as BAS, is that intended for just the soldier, or any dependents?
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LTC (Join to see)
1LT Nick Kidwell BAS is just for Soldier. It does not change if you have dependents.
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BAS no meals are provided however if you are buying a house or have a lease then yes you should recurve BAH.
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LTC (Join to see)
MSgt (Join to see) we say this now, but if they try to take it would we fight it? I think we would.
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MSgt (Join to see)
I would without a doubt, especially since I am buying a home. Plus limited amounts of housing here.
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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?
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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.
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.
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MAJ (Join to see)
It still does need to be certified annually. The actual rent thing went out the window when the military realized the policy just inflated the rate of all housing to the ceiling regardless of the quality of the home. And it was just cheaper to let Soldiers collect the difference without needing to regulate it. In other words there are some enforcement policies that do more harm then good only reimbursing actual cost of CONUS housing was one.
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LTC (Join to see)
MSgt Jim Pollock MAJ (Join to see) is correct. I know I go under my BAH on rent to ensure I can pay my utilities and other bills prior to hitting my BAH level.
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MSgt Jim Pollock
I tend to agree with these issues, unfortunately, the ability of some SMs to bank an excess has led to feelings of inequity in the process (hence this discussion).
My point is that this is not a new issue. The only true way to solve it is to either eliminate barracks/on base housing or require everyone to live on post. Neither is a good solution, so the hurt feelings will continue.
My point is that this is not a new issue. The only true way to solve it is to either eliminate barracks/on base housing or require everyone to live on post. Neither is a good solution, so the hurt feelings will continue.
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