My chain of command just announced that they're going to inspect on and off-post housing. What are they allow to inspect?

COL Jim Ainslie - I think your comment is spot on Sir. In my opinion, you and your PSG showed excellent Leadership skills that more likely than not encouraged that soldier to want to be an effective leader. Apparently you were not there for a "Surprise" inspection where the soldier had to be worried about being chastised or worse by what you saw. There is a difference in being an effective leader and being an "Ass" which, you were obviously an effective leader and I am sure your soldiers appreciated you and your PSG for it. You obviously made it to the rank of Colonel for a reason, you are obviously what the Army needs(ed) as a leader unlike some that I am sure we can both say we have seen throughout our careers.

COL Ainslie, I agree with you. When I was a 1SG, my commander and I required health and welfare checks by out PSG and LT's on our solders living off post. I agree, it's up to the solider if they let you in. Soldier's also need to know the COC is their to help if they need it.

Given your current military woke protocol it shows wisdom denying. However you may be scrutinized unfairly unless there are signs you are woke. Be careful like your on point. I would make a large wager regarding their ultimate interest.

SFC (Verify To See).....
Living In a Predominantly USAF Neighborhood, The Inspections Don't Amount To Much More Than A General Inspection Of Your Residence Conditions, Your Shrubbery And Lawns Appearance. Simply Insuring Everything's Is Up To Code & Not A Hazard To Anyone's Health.
As You Stated Though...:
"command isn’t allowed to enter your off post residence without your invitation"
SURE, Go Ahead And Refuse Them Entry To Make An Inspection. BRILLIANT Move.
I'm Certain They'll Understand. LOL..... Uh NOPE!

PO3 Pamala McBrayer - The word is Probable Cause and the standard for Probable cause is high. The Military Police can only enter your property if they have Probable cause that a crime is in progress or they have a warrant. Meare suspicion is not enough to gain entry.

PO3 Pamala McBrayer - As a First Sgt, I had been called out to a house off base by the city police when there was a problem. Normally when I arrived the police would normally turn things over to me - that is as long as no one was hurt, threatened, or a weapon involved. I did get called out once and the airman had a rifle, and a container of bullets. The police officers told me they were leaving, I asked them did they think my diamonds made me bullet proof, they just smiled. My troops thought First Sgt's were paid combat pay.

MSgt Gilbert Jones - hell from dirty things First Sgt have to deal with they should get it. I'd rather go into combat than deal with those issues.

unless it contracted housing.

CINCHOUSE. I wish someone would have tried. My wife is from the Bronx so good luck with that.

I never encountered anyone who would disrespect the privacy of off base residence when I served a long time ago. But if there were an abusive landlord we would get help for the victim through the legal services available to service personnel to get a landlord into trouble with the proper civilian authorities and support our people.

Unlike in the military, I quit my last job teaching as a math professor because I had a supervisor/department chair demanding I do personnel errands for him as a condition for contract renewal. He wanted me to get rid of my house because he considered its futuristic architectural style unbecoming of the professional image of a college professor. I miss how if he were in the military he would get court marshaled.

Capt Robert Vincelette - My experience was similar. Overseas in Okinawa. we were as Security Police called for Off Base Incidents at times, often handling things unless the Japanese Police showed up. Responded to a medical emergency out of the Navy Side Gate and beat the Medics and Japanese officials to the location. I tired as a young Captain to give an active-duty female CPR but soon realized although she felt warm, she had been dead for a while. Turnes out the mink blanket kept the body heat in. Husband was a dirtbag who had been kicked out of the USAF, they had smoked some dope and smacked her around which when she went to sleep, she never woke up. Japanese authorities did not try to prosecute the now 'civilian' just deported him with his dead wife's Military Life Insurance. I hope Karma caught up with that a-hole.