Where can I get definitive guidance on BAH entitlement for my situation as a dual-military couple who are stationed apart?

2020-04-10T23:31:14-04:00

My husband and I got married at the beginning of January. We were able to spend 2 weeks together from the time my boots hit ground to the time he had to leave for his deployment (extremely grateful for those 2 weeks!) However, he is a SGT at Fort Campbell, KY and I am a SPC at Fort Bragg, NC. He receives BAH and has on post housing. I live in the barracks, even though my Command continually asks when I am clearing the barracks (they would like to make room for incoming Soldiers). Initially, I was told by my S1 OIC that I am entitled to BAH, as well as my husband. Now, over 3 months later and a lot of calls to S1, Family Housing, Finance, and Unaccompanied Housing, I am informed that I am NOT entitled to BAH. Per Housing, I do not meet the criteria to file for an ETP for BAH on Fort Bragg. Neither my Husband nor I can afford to spend repeated weekends in hotels, and he is not allowed to stay over night in my barracks (per policy). This is going to place a financial and emotional strain on our marriage. Quickly. I have scoured and sought out every AR, DODI, JTR, ALARCT, MILPER Message, and called everyone I can think to talk to, and am still receiving conflicting answers. Is there anything that we can do? We've done back to back deployments, and spending the rest of my contract apart, or under financial exacerbation, will do more harm than good. We appreciate any guidance that you guys can give! Thank you!

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 11 at 2020 1:19 AM

2020-04-11T01:19:17-04:00

In accordance with AR 614-200 Section IV, enrollment in the MACP does not guarantee reassignment together but does ensure that both Soldiers will be automatically considered for future joint-domicile assignments. Soldiers should submit a DA Form 4187 requesting enrollment in the MACP, with a copy of their marriage certificate to their Bde S-1/BCT or MPD who will take the necessary action to update to the Total Army Personnel Data Base (TAPDB).

Response by SGT Robert Pryor made Apr 11 at 2020 1:31 AM

2020-04-11T01:31:30-04:00

Have you spoken with the Chaplains office? Time was they could move mountains when it came to family matters.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 11 at 2020 4:45 AM

2020-04-11T04:45:53-04:00

I think you are to the point where you should go to the IG to confirm if you qualify for BAH. My gut says you do qualify for BAH.

Response by CSM Darieus ZaGara made Apr 11 at 2020 6:39 AM

2020-04-11T06:39:15-04:00

Are you enrolled in MACP? If so take that to the IG.

Response by SGM Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 11 at 2020 8:34 AM

2020-04-11T08:34:23-04:00

DOD FMR 7000.14R Volume 7A Ch 26
you're both in the Army at different posts, no dependents, you both get BAH single rate for your zip code and rank.

https://comptroller.defense.gov/Portals/45/documents/fmr/current/07a/07a_26.pdf

07a_26.pdf