Posted on May 18, 2014
Why does the Army discriminate against single soldiers?
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First let me say I am biased in my opinion since I am a single soldier. The Army stacks the deck against single soldiers, in a variety of ways. There are standards that single soldiers are forced to obey that married soldiers are not. Purely just because of their marriage.
Housing is my personal biggest area of concern being a single soldier. I am a 27 yr old college graduate. I get the same "rights" in my living quarters that a single 17/18 yr old straight out of high-school would get. If that same soldier is married, they get considerably more freedom, pay, and budget control than I do.
I as a single soldier get no say in where I live. At my current duty station the BAH for my rank and dependent status (Single, E-4) would be $1,068. So I essentially pay $1,068 dollars a month to live in the barracks. The barracks I live in have two separate bedrooms, with a common kitchen and bathroom area. Since there are two soldiers in each little barracks apartment, we collectively pay $2,136 a month for this set up. That is FAR more then what a similar apartment style would cost in the surrounding communities. If single soldiers were allowed to have BAH and live where they choose we could potentially save several hundred dollars a month by controlling our living expenses. That's not including the approximately $300 a month we are forced to pay for the DFACs.
There is also the issue of furniture in the barracks. Again we have no say, we get whatever the Army already has in the room. Personally I would love to have an actual nice mattress, instead of these cheap plastic blue ones.
Barracks inspections. I can't stand barracks inspections. The inspections are completely up to the person doing them and what they "think" the standard should be. One inspection your could be fine, the next one your getting lectured about how to make a bed. Last summer I had to write a 2 page paper for an LT about personal standards in the barracks. All because my bed didn't have hospital corners. (That morning when I get up I tossed my blanket off to the right of me, where it was just sorta crunched up against the wall running the length of my bed.) If I want to know what I am allowed to have and not have in my room, I have to read three different policy letters to find out. Division could allow something, Brigade could say no, and then Battalion have nothing about it at all. I get that lower commands are allowed to restrict privileges as they see fit. I'm just saying it's cumbersome to have to read three different levels policy to find out what is what.
It annoys me that I have to have periodic inspections(currently every morning before PT for my company) while married soldiers receive no inspections just because they are married. I get that they have a family, I just don't see why that should stop a squad leader from making a planned, announced, and visual walk-through of the house of the married soldier. Keeping the same standard of living as a single soldier should be part of the military life.
Meal Deductions. I don't think the DFACs are worth the $300 a month I have to pay. I hate having to "play" the "I am a Meal Card Holder" card to get lunch sometimes during work. It's usually followed by a married soldier saying "I'm working thru lunch, you don't see me bitching about wanting to leave for food". True. However when we miss our lunch it's gone. The money we paid is gone rather we ate that meal or not. Married people if they bring their lunch it'll still be there later. If they eat out, then well that's just money they didn't spend that day. They can use it tomorrow to get twice as much for lunch or eat somewhere more expensive depending on their budget.
We get no say in what sounds good for dinner. It's whatever the DFAC has. Sometimes that means either fried or grilled chicken. If they run out of one thing, it'll be whatever they have left. It's not right. It leaves married people with control over their diet and single soldiers with whatever the Army needed to clean out of the fridge.
The above is just Big Army things, the discrimination continues all the way down to the company level. At my company single soldiers who live in the barracks are not allowed to park in the lot in front of the company. Now our barracks is approximately 3/4 mile down the road. Our motor pool is another 3/4 mile the other direction. I find it silly that an entire parking lot is reserved for married people. Sure single soldiers can drive to work, but we have to park in the barracks across the street. Which is not the barracks we live in. Married people can't park in that same lot if the one in front of company is full? To a point I can understand the reasoning behind this, but single soldiers have to leave and run here and there just like our married counter-parts. Why should they get special parking treatment? I don't see anyone stopping married people from using the barracks washers and dryers to avoid buying their own/going to coin laundry mats. Why are married people allowed to dip their hands in our honey and slap ours away from theirs?
Like I said from the start I'm biased. I look over the fence and see greener grass. Perhaps this is all just one single soldier bitching and complaining.
_______________________________________________________________________________________
Update FEB 2019: Since I originally posted this message, I have gotten married. My view on the subject has not changed. I want to respond to some of the overarching themes in everyone responses.
“Quit bitching/whining/complaining.” I feel there is a difference between logically laying out issues and grievances and just bitching about them. The number of leaders who contributions on this post/topic amounted to “quit saying words” is disheartening.
“Get married/Army will issue you a wife.” Saying to get married just to move out of the barracks is a failure of leadership. Those of you (in my opinion) with that mentally should reconsider what you do/did and what your job is/was. As a former Infantry NCO I have dealt with the countless issues that arise when a soldier quickly marries someone for the wrong reason (example: get out of the barracks). The domestic issues, spouse calling in to the Staff Duty, soldier isn’t training because of counseling/FAP/court/Divorce related nonsense, greatly diminishes readiness which the last I checked the Army still considers to be pretty important.
“I had more money/I wish I was back in the barracks/ but but bills! etc.” Bull. I wish I could challenge anyone who says that to actually prove it. As stated, I am married now. I have more money, flexibility, and financial freedom then I did as a single E-4. Now some of that is because I’m a higher rank. Part of it is because I use BAH as intended to cover housing/bills, my BAS for food, and having the control over how much I spend on those two items is very important. Also, my spouse works. I have come to realize that is less than common for married soldiers in the Army. However, I would argue that getting married and not having both spouses working is a decision that you made going in to it. I’m not arguing/stating if it’s the right or wrong choice. It’s what you decided worked for ya’ll. To me it’s the equivalent of a private going out and buying that 23% interest Mustang then complaining about how much money it costs and how he used to have it so much better without that car payment. If you choose (by getting married/having kids) to feed/house/care for additional people (spouse/kids) and yet do nothing to increase your income than yeah…you’ll have less money. That is a very poor argument for what the original post was about.
a. Hopefully ^above^ I’ve made my point clear and concise seems a little muddy to me, I guess we shall see in future comments.
“Move off post.” That’s not an option. Well I guess it is, however single soldiers still have to maintain the barracks room they get assigned, they still wouldn’t get the BAH entitlement, and they would have to still pay the DFAC out of their BAS. Do I need to continue on the ignorance of that statement? Sure, there’s a packet you can submit and ask to receive those allowances, I’ve only ever seen get accepted once and that was when my BDE changed from Light to Armored, only for E-5s, and it was suggested only if they were on orders and would be PCS’ing soon anyhow. They wanted non-PCS’ing E-5s still in the barracks. I don’t recall if I stated it in my original post but that unofficial additional duty of being an NCO at the barracks is crap. “You’re an NCO at the barracks keep everyone in line down there after work and on weekends”, thought that’s what CQ was for. I’ll also comment on the “single people off post would party to much/be late to formation/traffic at the gates/ get in trouble in town more” line of nonsense. It’s ignorant. Along with the “paying dues” comments.
Veterans- I appreciate you are still active in the boarder military community, and recognize that your time in the service paved the way for what we did/do/have accomplished today. However, pointing out how things were worse yesterday compared today and to “suck it up” is lazy. There is no reason we can’t keep pointing out things today to make tomorrow even better. I’m sure there is crap I can’t even fathom that ya’ll dealt with back in the 60s, 80s, and what have you that were fixed because of people continuing to bring the issue up.
Lastly, I’ve enjoyed reading the varied amount of responses everyone has on the topic. If mine come off as aggressive or across the line it was not my intention. When I posted the original stuff above 4+ almost 5 years ago I never expected it to get attention and still receive emails notifications years later. I’m fairly sure I’ve read 90% of the comments because Rally Point sends me an email every time someone comments. No I did not add that picture at the top, it’s the website. Sorry if you clicked on a Rally Point ad somewhere that linked to this post only to see it’s from 2014. I don’t control those. It’s the website. Yes I’m sure there are a few grammar and spelling errors. If you point it out at the beginning of a comment, I’m more likely to see it and correct the issue. Cheers to several more years of being told why I’m wrong.
Housing is my personal biggest area of concern being a single soldier. I am a 27 yr old college graduate. I get the same "rights" in my living quarters that a single 17/18 yr old straight out of high-school would get. If that same soldier is married, they get considerably more freedom, pay, and budget control than I do.
I as a single soldier get no say in where I live. At my current duty station the BAH for my rank and dependent status (Single, E-4) would be $1,068. So I essentially pay $1,068 dollars a month to live in the barracks. The barracks I live in have two separate bedrooms, with a common kitchen and bathroom area. Since there are two soldiers in each little barracks apartment, we collectively pay $2,136 a month for this set up. That is FAR more then what a similar apartment style would cost in the surrounding communities. If single soldiers were allowed to have BAH and live where they choose we could potentially save several hundred dollars a month by controlling our living expenses. That's not including the approximately $300 a month we are forced to pay for the DFACs.
There is also the issue of furniture in the barracks. Again we have no say, we get whatever the Army already has in the room. Personally I would love to have an actual nice mattress, instead of these cheap plastic blue ones.
Barracks inspections. I can't stand barracks inspections. The inspections are completely up to the person doing them and what they "think" the standard should be. One inspection your could be fine, the next one your getting lectured about how to make a bed. Last summer I had to write a 2 page paper for an LT about personal standards in the barracks. All because my bed didn't have hospital corners. (That morning when I get up I tossed my blanket off to the right of me, where it was just sorta crunched up against the wall running the length of my bed.) If I want to know what I am allowed to have and not have in my room, I have to read three different policy letters to find out. Division could allow something, Brigade could say no, and then Battalion have nothing about it at all. I get that lower commands are allowed to restrict privileges as they see fit. I'm just saying it's cumbersome to have to read three different levels policy to find out what is what.
It annoys me that I have to have periodic inspections(currently every morning before PT for my company) while married soldiers receive no inspections just because they are married. I get that they have a family, I just don't see why that should stop a squad leader from making a planned, announced, and visual walk-through of the house of the married soldier. Keeping the same standard of living as a single soldier should be part of the military life.
Meal Deductions. I don't think the DFACs are worth the $300 a month I have to pay. I hate having to "play" the "I am a Meal Card Holder" card to get lunch sometimes during work. It's usually followed by a married soldier saying "I'm working thru lunch, you don't see me bitching about wanting to leave for food". True. However when we miss our lunch it's gone. The money we paid is gone rather we ate that meal or not. Married people if they bring their lunch it'll still be there later. If they eat out, then well that's just money they didn't spend that day. They can use it tomorrow to get twice as much for lunch or eat somewhere more expensive depending on their budget.
We get no say in what sounds good for dinner. It's whatever the DFAC has. Sometimes that means either fried or grilled chicken. If they run out of one thing, it'll be whatever they have left. It's not right. It leaves married people with control over their diet and single soldiers with whatever the Army needed to clean out of the fridge.
The above is just Big Army things, the discrimination continues all the way down to the company level. At my company single soldiers who live in the barracks are not allowed to park in the lot in front of the company. Now our barracks is approximately 3/4 mile down the road. Our motor pool is another 3/4 mile the other direction. I find it silly that an entire parking lot is reserved for married people. Sure single soldiers can drive to work, but we have to park in the barracks across the street. Which is not the barracks we live in. Married people can't park in that same lot if the one in front of company is full? To a point I can understand the reasoning behind this, but single soldiers have to leave and run here and there just like our married counter-parts. Why should they get special parking treatment? I don't see anyone stopping married people from using the barracks washers and dryers to avoid buying their own/going to coin laundry mats. Why are married people allowed to dip their hands in our honey and slap ours away from theirs?
Like I said from the start I'm biased. I look over the fence and see greener grass. Perhaps this is all just one single soldier bitching and complaining.
_______________________________________________________________________________________
Update FEB 2019: Since I originally posted this message, I have gotten married. My view on the subject has not changed. I want to respond to some of the overarching themes in everyone responses.
“Quit bitching/whining/complaining.” I feel there is a difference between logically laying out issues and grievances and just bitching about them. The number of leaders who contributions on this post/topic amounted to “quit saying words” is disheartening.
“Get married/Army will issue you a wife.” Saying to get married just to move out of the barracks is a failure of leadership. Those of you (in my opinion) with that mentally should reconsider what you do/did and what your job is/was. As a former Infantry NCO I have dealt with the countless issues that arise when a soldier quickly marries someone for the wrong reason (example: get out of the barracks). The domestic issues, spouse calling in to the Staff Duty, soldier isn’t training because of counseling/FAP/court/Divorce related nonsense, greatly diminishes readiness which the last I checked the Army still considers to be pretty important.
“I had more money/I wish I was back in the barracks/ but but bills! etc.” Bull. I wish I could challenge anyone who says that to actually prove it. As stated, I am married now. I have more money, flexibility, and financial freedom then I did as a single E-4. Now some of that is because I’m a higher rank. Part of it is because I use BAH as intended to cover housing/bills, my BAS for food, and having the control over how much I spend on those two items is very important. Also, my spouse works. I have come to realize that is less than common for married soldiers in the Army. However, I would argue that getting married and not having both spouses working is a decision that you made going in to it. I’m not arguing/stating if it’s the right or wrong choice. It’s what you decided worked for ya’ll. To me it’s the equivalent of a private going out and buying that 23% interest Mustang then complaining about how much money it costs and how he used to have it so much better without that car payment. If you choose (by getting married/having kids) to feed/house/care for additional people (spouse/kids) and yet do nothing to increase your income than yeah…you’ll have less money. That is a very poor argument for what the original post was about.
a. Hopefully ^above^ I’ve made my point clear and concise seems a little muddy to me, I guess we shall see in future comments.
“Move off post.” That’s not an option. Well I guess it is, however single soldiers still have to maintain the barracks room they get assigned, they still wouldn’t get the BAH entitlement, and they would have to still pay the DFAC out of their BAS. Do I need to continue on the ignorance of that statement? Sure, there’s a packet you can submit and ask to receive those allowances, I’ve only ever seen get accepted once and that was when my BDE changed from Light to Armored, only for E-5s, and it was suggested only if they were on orders and would be PCS’ing soon anyhow. They wanted non-PCS’ing E-5s still in the barracks. I don’t recall if I stated it in my original post but that unofficial additional duty of being an NCO at the barracks is crap. “You’re an NCO at the barracks keep everyone in line down there after work and on weekends”, thought that’s what CQ was for. I’ll also comment on the “single people off post would party to much/be late to formation/traffic at the gates/ get in trouble in town more” line of nonsense. It’s ignorant. Along with the “paying dues” comments.
Veterans- I appreciate you are still active in the boarder military community, and recognize that your time in the service paved the way for what we did/do/have accomplished today. However, pointing out how things were worse yesterday compared today and to “suck it up” is lazy. There is no reason we can’t keep pointing out things today to make tomorrow even better. I’m sure there is crap I can’t even fathom that ya’ll dealt with back in the 60s, 80s, and what have you that were fixed because of people continuing to bring the issue up.
Lastly, I’ve enjoyed reading the varied amount of responses everyone has on the topic. If mine come off as aggressive or across the line it was not my intention. When I posted the original stuff above 4+ almost 5 years ago I never expected it to get attention and still receive emails notifications years later. I’m fairly sure I’ve read 90% of the comments because Rally Point sends me an email every time someone comments. No I did not add that picture at the top, it’s the website. Sorry if you clicked on a Rally Point ad somewhere that linked to this post only to see it’s from 2014. I don’t control those. It’s the website. Yes I’m sure there are a few grammar and spelling errors. If you point it out at the beginning of a comment, I’m more likely to see it and correct the issue. Cheers to several more years of being told why I’m wrong.
Posted in these groups: 
Barracks
BAS
Marriage
DiscriminationBetter Opportunities for Single Soldiers (BOSS) President
Barracks BAS Marriage DiscriminationBetter Opportunities for Single Soldiers (BOSS) President
Edited >1 y ago
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 488
It's NOT JUST THE ARMY !! All of the services cater to THE WIVES - not any of the serving personnel. Look at the post/base exchanges - there is much more square footage on the sales floor for families than the active personnel - be they men or women.
Then there's base housing - get a wife, you get to move out of the barracks with very little privacy - until you make e-7 or are commissioned and get a single room.
(Maybe I just love to complain?)
I suffered through 20+ years of the same thing.
Then there's base housing - get a wife, you get to move out of the barracks with very little privacy - until you make e-7 or are commissioned and get a single room.
(Maybe I just love to complain?)
I suffered through 20+ years of the same thing.
My Response to : Why does the Army discriminate against single soldiers?
This must be an Army thing, in the Marines. Dismissed was the same for ALL, I stood weekend duty, there was NO discrimination, I was just as fucked as the single guy, Duty came first.
And then when I was dismissed I got to go home and listen to the wife Bitch because I was late and didn't call (This was in the days of no cell phones, or personal computers, unless you had a Commodore 64 or an Apple 2e.).
I kept an extra uniforms in the NCO's room because many a night I slept on a floor in the barracks because it was to late to go home n back, and I was also getting up at 0330 so I could be there at 0530 to get my Marines up, do a headcount and report to the 1ST SGT by 0600.
My BAQ (Quarters)and BAS (Subsistence), Didn't even come near paying my rent put together, then I would have to buy my food. together Remember Marine Bases are on the Coasts, Hawaii, North Carolina and California where it is a hell of alot more expensive. My rent in 1991 was $850 or a one bedroom apt, phone and cable not included and being the Plt Sgt. It was Mandatory for me to have a phone as it was for all married Marines, I pay $750 a month for my 2 bedroom apt. TODAY. And being in the Field Well I was FORCED 3 MRE's a day that came out of my BAS regardless if I ate it or not.
IF IT GOES BAD. Then lets add the soul crushing divorce rate, Child support and alimony. Now your "single" and getting less pay than a Private, but I have a place to sleep, I have a place to wash my clothes, Eat 3 times a day and don't have to deal with F**king traffic.
I want to say this Right, get my intent I am not Army bashing just expressing what I've seen.
I spent nearly 13 years in the Marines and 6 in the Army. I preferred the Marines.
I surmise that a Marine E-2 has the responsibility of an Army E-4, I have seen it I have had to baby sit more 18 - 21 yr olds in the Army than in the Marines, and hey I had my share of dumb asses in the Corps.
It is just a PFC or a Lance Corporal are given more responsibility, leadership starts at E-2. I have seen in the Army that E-5 is where they start it, well maybe E-4, E-1 - E-3 are largely ignored, treated like kids they act it, Never getting responsibility put on their shoulders until E-4/E-5. I as an E-5 was treated as if I wasn't able to take charge. Luckily it was seen that I Worked, took responsibility made my SFC job easy, then a light went on in his head and seeing "Hey he knows how to do things."
Or its that the Army is so f ing top heavy, and I seen alot of promotions go to a position, not by ability. I saw an E-5/SGT take on the Training NCO billet and was promoted to E-6. In the Marines I was a Weapons Platoon, Plt Sgt, That is a E-7 Billet I was an E-5/Sgt, I was saddled with more responsibility, because it is expected in the Marines and I stayed a Sgt Until 9 mo later we got an E-7/GSgt.
Sorry I went on more than I wanted to but I am with the “Quit bitching/whining/complaining.” Group. Or is the Army Snow flaking on us. Buckle up Butter cup. Why do you think you should be handed things. Is it this new generation thinking that they have a right to all things?
How about you Show initiative as a PVT, PFC, SPC/ Corporal, SGT ect. earn your way, and Do Not SAY "It's not fair" Your GD right it is not Fair nor is the world. LEARN THAT NOW and you just may become a good SGTMAJ or a productive part of society.
This must be an Army thing, in the Marines. Dismissed was the same for ALL, I stood weekend duty, there was NO discrimination, I was just as fucked as the single guy, Duty came first.
And then when I was dismissed I got to go home and listen to the wife Bitch because I was late and didn't call (This was in the days of no cell phones, or personal computers, unless you had a Commodore 64 or an Apple 2e.).
I kept an extra uniforms in the NCO's room because many a night I slept on a floor in the barracks because it was to late to go home n back, and I was also getting up at 0330 so I could be there at 0530 to get my Marines up, do a headcount and report to the 1ST SGT by 0600.
My BAQ (Quarters)and BAS (Subsistence), Didn't even come near paying my rent put together, then I would have to buy my food. together Remember Marine Bases are on the Coasts, Hawaii, North Carolina and California where it is a hell of alot more expensive. My rent in 1991 was $850 or a one bedroom apt, phone and cable not included and being the Plt Sgt. It was Mandatory for me to have a phone as it was for all married Marines, I pay $750 a month for my 2 bedroom apt. TODAY. And being in the Field Well I was FORCED 3 MRE's a day that came out of my BAS regardless if I ate it or not.
IF IT GOES BAD. Then lets add the soul crushing divorce rate, Child support and alimony. Now your "single" and getting less pay than a Private, but I have a place to sleep, I have a place to wash my clothes, Eat 3 times a day and don't have to deal with F**king traffic.
I want to say this Right, get my intent I am not Army bashing just expressing what I've seen.
I spent nearly 13 years in the Marines and 6 in the Army. I preferred the Marines.
I surmise that a Marine E-2 has the responsibility of an Army E-4, I have seen it I have had to baby sit more 18 - 21 yr olds in the Army than in the Marines, and hey I had my share of dumb asses in the Corps.
It is just a PFC or a Lance Corporal are given more responsibility, leadership starts at E-2. I have seen in the Army that E-5 is where they start it, well maybe E-4, E-1 - E-3 are largely ignored, treated like kids they act it, Never getting responsibility put on their shoulders until E-4/E-5. I as an E-5 was treated as if I wasn't able to take charge. Luckily it was seen that I Worked, took responsibility made my SFC job easy, then a light went on in his head and seeing "Hey he knows how to do things."
Or its that the Army is so f ing top heavy, and I seen alot of promotions go to a position, not by ability. I saw an E-5/SGT take on the Training NCO billet and was promoted to E-6. In the Marines I was a Weapons Platoon, Plt Sgt, That is a E-7 Billet I was an E-5/Sgt, I was saddled with more responsibility, because it is expected in the Marines and I stayed a Sgt Until 9 mo later we got an E-7/GSgt.
Sorry I went on more than I wanted to but I am with the “Quit bitching/whining/complaining.” Group. Or is the Army Snow flaking on us. Buckle up Butter cup. Why do you think you should be handed things. Is it this new generation thinking that they have a right to all things?
How about you Show initiative as a PVT, PFC, SPC/ Corporal, SGT ect. earn your way, and Do Not SAY "It's not fair" Your GD right it is not Fair nor is the world. LEARN THAT NOW and you just may become a good SGTMAJ or a productive part of society.
I always thought Army personal were treated equally . Single Soldiers lived in the barracks and were always available whereas a married soldier lived in housing Quarters or off base. They were not immediately available. I was a Supply Clerk , Lived in the barracks so whenever new personal reported in I had to unlock the supply room to issue them blankets and sheets anytime after working Hrs. When I became acting Supply Sgt. I lived off post so the Charge of Quarters (Duty NCO.) kept blankets and sheets in the company office to issue to new personal. In the Marine Corp they didn't like for young marines first enlistment to be married. I know because they told me "if we wanted hou to have a wife we would issue you one". I completed my enlistment 4 yrs. then joined the Army. Once you are military Rank is everything. Education, Age, Married or unmarried didn't matter. Anything else is politics. That was a long time ago.(USMC 59-63) (ARMY 63-66). I say this because RP is supposed to show the younger GI,s how it was once. Semper Fi.
Look, barracks inspections are for discipline and safety. Quite sure there's stories of finding strippers in the b's on a Monday morning. And drugs. And underage troops with alcohol.
Back when I came in (there's plenty people who will back me up on this), a single soldier didn't get BAH or BAS (BAS was given if they had an MOS that had swing shifts).
My first duty station, I got permission to live off post. With NO BAH and NO BAS. Kept my meal card and had to maintain my space (including being present for G.I. parties).
You're 27 and joined the military? Should have gone the officer route. Then you wouldn't have been subjected to all of this.
When I was married (and even after divorce - you're not authorized barracks space if divorced), single soldiers were let go to eat. The rest of us had to keep working (your choices were call the spouse or "I buy, you fly" in the same time period). This is well before the days of GrubHub and other food delivery. We were stuck with Domino's and Pizza Hut for delivery.
My 2 cents us that they should have NEVER given single soldiers BAS across the board. It makes no sense to give, then take 95% back as "meal deducation".
Everyone else, apologies for the thesis paper, but I felt it needed to be said.
Back when I came in (there's plenty people who will back me up on this), a single soldier didn't get BAH or BAS (BAS was given if they had an MOS that had swing shifts).
My first duty station, I got permission to live off post. With NO BAH and NO BAS. Kept my meal card and had to maintain my space (including being present for G.I. parties).
You're 27 and joined the military? Should have gone the officer route. Then you wouldn't have been subjected to all of this.
When I was married (and even after divorce - you're not authorized barracks space if divorced), single soldiers were let go to eat. The rest of us had to keep working (your choices were call the spouse or "I buy, you fly" in the same time period). This is well before the days of GrubHub and other food delivery. We were stuck with Domino's and Pizza Hut for delivery.
My 2 cents us that they should have NEVER given single soldiers BAS across the board. It makes no sense to give, then take 95% back as "meal deducation".
Everyone else, apologies for the thesis paper, but I felt it needed to be said.
It isn't just the Army. It's all of DOD does this sort of discrimination. When Desert Shield started my chain of command said when the first deploys everyone else goes on twelve hour shifts for the duration. They also cancelled the leave I was supposed to take and I was already in a use or lose situation. I was the first deployed and twelve hour shift never happened at the duty station. My 30 day TDY order got involuntarily extended without an opportunity to take any leave time. At the end of the extension I got involuntarily extended again. With that extension the wedding plans went out the window. With the third extension I had already been there two years at which point my TDY became a PCS. Two more years there and still no opportunity for leave. All this time my use/lose was being lost. I walked that up the chain of command all the way to the white house where I was approved for six months of leave carried forward and authorized to take all use/lose before re-enlisting and reporting to my next assignment. I did some checking among my team, we were all in the same situation with being involuntarily extended. All were single. The married Air Force members at least got to return to the world when the shooting stopped.
Nicely written and I agree with you entirely I spent 7 years in the army I'm decided I would not get married until I got out.
I served from 1970 - Desert Storm and out in 1993. Personally I don't feel I was ever discriminated against by the Military. In the Military if you want the same benefits as a married person, there is no discrimination against you if you decide to get married. It is a matter of choice. I feel discriminated against by the Civilian Sector. Example. I am hired for a Job and there are standard benefits that everyone gets, but female employees get more than me in that they not only get more time off due to "female issues," but they get Maternity leave... and as a single person I usually get tapped to fill their duties as well as mine until they return. My insurance costs the same as theirs, but they have more benefits in that as well. Female employees get special treatment due to weight limitations on lifting items.. so of course I would be required to assist them. No reciprocity! They get promoted with preference due to women are considered Minorities and are under represented in the company as Supervisors/Managers, etc. All things are not equal in either the Military or the Civilian Sector. Therefore comparing the Civilian to the Military in the treatment of Single Persons vs Married, there is no discrimination demonstrated because you are single. You just have to choose to be married to get the full benefit to which you seek. Henceforth it is a matter of lifestyle choice. I prefer to take my Orders from a Chain of Command that I can understand. If you are married you understand the point!
Having a College Degree, or advanced age does not itself warrant any special status especially when you hold the same rank. The requirement for enlisted is a High School Diploma, therefore that is the threshold for pay and benefits. Going back to Civilian sector vs Military, the same aspect of differences in benefits exist there as well. Except that in many fields of employment, while the threshold of minimum educational standards exist, you will find that a Married 18 year old will receive more benefits than you as well. Again it is a matter of YOUR choices in life. One thing you forget. The Soldier to whom you feel discriminated from, is responsible for the character and actions of their Spouse and Children and corrective action starts with the Soldier first, not the Spouse or child. As the Married Soldier YOU are the Sponsor and obligated to keep your family in a military bearing.
Having a College Degree, or advanced age does not itself warrant any special status especially when you hold the same rank. The requirement for enlisted is a High School Diploma, therefore that is the threshold for pay and benefits. Going back to Civilian sector vs Military, the same aspect of differences in benefits exist there as well. Except that in many fields of employment, while the threshold of minimum educational standards exist, you will find that a Married 18 year old will receive more benefits than you as well. Again it is a matter of YOUR choices in life. One thing you forget. The Soldier to whom you feel discriminated from, is responsible for the character and actions of their Spouse and Children and corrective action starts with the Soldier first, not the Spouse or child. As the Married Soldier YOU are the Sponsor and obligated to keep your family in a military bearing.
I am not sure why soldiers do not realize how good they have it. I served for 11+ years in the Army. When I got out in 2000, the base pay for an E5 with 10 years was a measly $1890/m. I forget how much I got the short time I was married. After I was divorced I was living in the barracks. Since I had been married and paid child support, I found out that I was actually authorized to live off post. My BAH was less than $400/m. BAS is for the soldiers benefit, not the family. Mine was something like $160/m. I was just able to rent a trailer. Now. I have a brother-in-law, a retired LTC with 26 yrs in. Base pay was $8000/m. BAH was $1650/m., rent was $1100/m. You would think someone who makes $8000/m could afford to pay $1100/m rent without extra help. That all being said, if you get out and get a job, your employer will most likely NOT pay you extra to help with rent an food. You will be required to cough it up out of your base salary. Most soldiers, officers aside, make a modest living even with benefits. Unless you get a great job after the service, you will find that you had it pretty good in the service. Full FREE medical,dental and vision. 30 days paid vacation/yrs from the get go. I had to work 5 years to get 12 days/yrs, use it or lose it. No rolling over to the next yr. Getting paid to live in other countries that ost people pay thousands just to go visit.
I do remember having to stay after some missions while married soldiers got to go home with their families. What I am saying is there will always be issues, but realize how good you have it now a days. It is a tough and dangerous job at times but you cannot beat free room and board and excellent benefits and travel. There are other things to complain about, like the Army paying for crap like sex change operations. Allowing only some soldiers have beards. Allowing higher ranking NCO's and officers and females to be overweight. Nothing like a little fat female NCO telling you what to do, right? I have ranted enough.
I do remember having to stay after some missions while married soldiers got to go home with their families. What I am saying is there will always be issues, but realize how good you have it now a days. It is a tough and dangerous job at times but you cannot beat free room and board and excellent benefits and travel. There are other things to complain about, like the Army paying for crap like sex change operations. Allowing only some soldiers have beards. Allowing higher ranking NCO's and officers and females to be overweight. Nothing like a little fat female NCO telling you what to do, right? I have ranted enough.
Would you like some 'cheese with that wine'?
Were you told by someone or did you 'assume' what military life was about?
I joined to serve my country, learn a trade to help me when I got out and to be independent right out of high school. Both of those things did happen. I joined in 1960 just out of high school and had my mom sign for me to get in as I wasn't 16 yet ( would be in three months but didn't want to wait) and two of my classmates also joined up. We went thru basic together and Electronics School together and I wouldn't have had it any other way. Between active duty and reserve time, I gave Uncle Sam 26 years of my life and I have no regrets. So my advice to you would be do what you were trained for and give the Military their due or apply for OCS, Warrant Officer Schooling or get out, but just do the right thing and stop the belly aching about what 'they' have and what 'you' don't have. It's not a democracy so get over yourself!
Were you told by someone or did you 'assume' what military life was about?
I joined to serve my country, learn a trade to help me when I got out and to be independent right out of high school. Both of those things did happen. I joined in 1960 just out of high school and had my mom sign for me to get in as I wasn't 16 yet ( would be in three months but didn't want to wait) and two of my classmates also joined up. We went thru basic together and Electronics School together and I wouldn't have had it any other way. Between active duty and reserve time, I gave Uncle Sam 26 years of my life and I have no regrets. So my advice to you would be do what you were trained for and give the Military their due or apply for OCS, Warrant Officer Schooling or get out, but just do the right thing and stop the belly aching about what 'they' have and what 'you' don't have. It's not a democracy so get over yourself!
Your overall gripe is merited IMO. But then society, in general, discriminates against single or unmarried individuals. One example of many is as a single person you pay the highest tax rate in your income bracket. Yet, as a single person, overall you use the least government services and other such perks that our taxes fund. Joe Blow has three kids in public school and he pays less to fund those schools than you do. The list is endless and with few exceptions the same issue.
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