What is the possibility of obtaining BAS as a single soldier?

2017-12-28T10:44:43-05:00

This is not some pouty post about a private wanting money in his pocket because the DFAC does't meet his standards of eating. I merely mean to pose a question in the light of my recent predicament and get some feedback from seniors and fellow joes before consulting my own chain of command.
I'm currently in a school-based unit that I will not name, whose barracks situation has fallen into a big pickle. We have new barracks in construction that won't be complete for several months and have had a LARGE influx of newer soldiers due to a newly implemented recruiting program (& will continue to obtain new soldiers in the months to come) and we are very quickly running out of rooms. We have a dozen or so soldiers "ghosting" essentially filling a room spot but paying out of pocket for an apartment. Those soldiers have been acknowledged as doing so and were asked if their rooms could be filled. Doubling the barracks roster in a sort of way because those rooms have to be provided to single soldiers. I understand BAH is out of the question but would it be inappropriate for the Commander to grant BAS to those persons currently "ghosting"? They're indirectly doing the company a favor at their own cost and the extra $350 or so would help considerably with rent/mortgage. What sort of problems would it pose to the Commander if were to grant these persons their BAS. Is it something even worth asking the PSG about or would this be brushed off as a money grabbing attempt by a handful of joes?

Response by SPC David Willis made Dec 28 at 2017 10:58 AM

2017-12-28T10:58:24-05:00

I would imagine the minute those rooms are filled the soldiers would need to receive BAH. Army doesn't need to provide money for rent but it needs to at least provide a roof over a guys head. Also to be brutally honest I learned very quickly on not to do the Army any favors. I wouldn't be "ghosting" as you call it, but if I was and they asked me to fill my room, I wouldn't unless I was going to be getting BAH and BAS.

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 28 at 2017 11:42 AM

2017-12-28T11:42:27-05:00

I would say the chances of receiving BAS are slim. Those that are ghosting need to live in the barracks and stop paying out of pocket.

Response by SGM Bill Frazer made Dec 28 at 2017 1:51 PM

2017-12-28T13:51:46-05:00

Damn slim, tho you can ask till the cows come home. BAS is for food, period if they use it for rent, then what are they going to do for food. Also keep in mind, any field training where rations are served, you lose that much BAS.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 8 at 2018 5:32 PM

2018-09-08T17:32:41-04:00

The CG of the post decides what rank/grade will reside in the barracks at the advisement of each Bn Commander. That is where BAH is involved. I have seen E6's on meal cards while living off-post. That is where BAS is involved. I was an E4 on the Army Europe Boxing Team and authorized separate rations along with my meal card. It's all based on circumstances.
In the case of Ft Campbell, the MTOE, not the actual barracks roster, was the deciding factor on what rank/grade was going to reside in the barracks or had the option to move off post.
Whatever you do, please, PLEASE do not get married just to get out of the barracks or get off your meal card.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Sep 9 at 2018 4:12 PM

2018-09-09T16:12:33-04:00

I know BAS can be given to those with unique dietary needs or those who work odd hours.