Housing

During Basic Training, men and women live in separate quarters, which consist of shared bunks and bathroom facilities. Because service members are there for training, personal items are kept to a minimum, and everything happens on a set schedule, allowing service members to focus on learning and working as a team.

As service members move up in rank, they get more housing options to choose from, if available. Junior single service members can live in complexes that resemble a modern college dormitory, which could consist of a single or shared room with a shared living area.

Senior service members, those who are married, or those who have physical custody of dependents can select from a variety of apartments and single-family homes. Like most family-oriented dwellings across the nation, these units can include multiple bedrooms and bathrooms, with garages and yards as well.

Service members who qualify to live off base are given a Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) as part of their compensation. BAH is a monthly sum of money that takes into account the area’s cost of living as well as a service member’s pay grade and number of dependents.

For example, if a service member is stationed in an expensive urban area, they’ll receive more than a service member living in a rural area where the cost of living is less expensive. Similarly, a service member who is married with children would receive more than a single service member.

Ultimately, BAH ensures that everyone gets the allowance they need to cover their living situation.

While not exactly “on base,” service members (especially in the Navy and Coast Guard) may be assigned to vessels like ships or submarines for extended durations of time. Here, sufficient living spaces include berthing (sleeping) areas with storage, an assigned rack for sleeping, and crew lounges to relax while watching TV or playing games.

While active-duty members join the Military on a full-time basis, National Guard and Reserve members serve in a part-time capacity and live in housing within their civilian communities. During drill training, which occurs one weekend per month, with a two-week commitment per year, these service members are provided housing.

Guard members and reservists who are entitled to a housing allowance will receive a special BAH any time they’re on active duty for fewer than 30 days. If they are on active duty for 30 days or more, they’ll receive the full housing allowance rate (the same as active duty).

In general, service members are allowed to have pets such as dogs, cats, fish and other common companions on base. In fact, many installations often have amenities to ensure our animal friends stay happy and healthy — like veterinary clinics, dog parks and even boarding facilities.

However, it is important to note that certain pet species and breeds are forbidden, and animals that are permitted are restricted to apartment complexes and single-family housing, as pet ownership in barracks and dorms is not allowed.

Speak with a recruiter if you have any specific questions about pet ownership, as guidelines can vary from base to base.

Service members are typically allowed to have visitors on base once they complete Basic Training. Although guests are not allowed to stay overnight in the barracks, many large installations offer convenient on-base hotel accommodations.

Please note that military bases are secure installations, so proper ID and an invitation/sponsorship from a military or DoD member is required for guests. While on base, visitors are expected to follow the same rules as all base residents.