Will my spouse need a command sponsorship for us to receive BAH if we get married during my assignment in Hawaii?

2021-04-11T05:22:00-04:00

I met a woman as soon as I got to Hawaii 1.5years ago and i got engaged to her a couple months ago, we plan on getting married sometime at the end of this or next year. I’ve heard mixed answers to this question from everyone I’ve asked so far. She’s a legal resident in Oahu.

Response by MAJ Ronnie Reams made Apr 11 at 2021 8:48 AM

2021-04-11T08:48:11-04:00

AFAIK, HI a US State and I not think the US State Department has a SOFA with them, even though DOD considers it an overseas tour. Same-same AK. So, no! However, this is a SWAG on my part.

Response by Lt Col Jim Coe made Apr 11 at 2021 9:15 AM

2021-04-11T09:15:36-04:00

Hummm, “legal resident”. Is she a US Citizen? Talk with your Chain of Command. You may be able to find the answer on line. Check the regulations and policies on Army official web site. Chaplains often know the answers to these kinds of questions and offer per-marital counseling.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 11 at 2021 10:32 AM

2021-04-11T10:32:54-04:00

What has other married Soldiers in your unit to say about this? I know most other overseas places usually have a command sponsorship program but not 100% sure about Hawaii being it is the US. They would know more since they would have gone through the same thing bringing their family over if that exists in Hawaii. With you fiancé already in Hawaii and all your case will be different. https://installations.militaryonesource.mil/military-installation/schofield-barracks-fort-shafter/base-essentials/sponsorship

Schofield Barracks/Fort Shafter | Sponsorship Info & Programs | MilitaryINSTALLATIONS

Sponsors help newcomers to Schofield Barracks/Fort Shafter before, during & after a move. You can request a sponsor through your new unit. Learn more here.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 11 at 2021 1:01 PM

2021-04-11T13:01:24-04:00

You shouldn't need command sponsorship for BAH, but you will probably need command sponsorship for medical treatment and for the Army to cover the cost of PCSing back to the states

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 12 at 2021 12:09 PM

2021-04-12T12:09:21-04:00

Probably so man. For all of my soldiers who have got married here, they have had to complete packets for the following;
Command sponsorship
BAS/ Stop meal deductions
BAH
Also on top of that when your paperwork is complete double check your cola rate has updated for you and your new wife. Looks a lot of work but can be put together and submitted in a couple days. Get with your training room, they should have a list for what goes in each packet. You’ll have to enroll your wife in deers once married so she can get a physical through the army for the command sponsorship.
Good luck!