Due to my OSUT being more than 20 weeks, as NG, should I be receiving full BAH for the duration of my training?

2020-06-13T17:21:24-04:00

I ship out in July for OSUT at Ft. Leonard Wood, MO. I am an E-2 in the Alabama National Guard with a lease in my name that renews after I begin training and continues beyond my return date.

I am single with no dependents.

Due to my OSUT being >20 weeks, should I be receiving full BAH for the duration of my training?
My RSP NCOIC told me that my BAH allowance will depend on my duty station, and I will receive info on that once I arrive. How can I ensure that I am receiving the BAH allowance required?

Thank you in advance.

Response by SPC Margaret Higgins made Jun 13 at 2020 5:28 PM

2020-06-13T17:28:02-04:00

Dylan, I pray; that you are successful; at finding the answer to your question. SPC Private RallyPoint Member

Response by SGM Bill Frazer made Jun 13 at 2020 5:58 PM

2020-06-13T17:58:42-04:00

Normally single folks do not get BAH, particularity very junior enlisted. Guard could be different. You need to check with your recruiter or if you are assigned a unit, then their S1.

Response by Cadet 2LT Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 13 at 2020 6:35 PM

2020-06-13T18:35:08-04:00

I wonder if geographical bachelor could be used as justification maybe? Finance office should be able to help you when you get there.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 14 at 2020 12:05 AM

2020-06-14T00:05:24-04:00

Just curious...why renew your lease if you’re not going to be there for almost 5 months? I’m not totally sure how that works for NG but for a dingle Active duty Soldier, no BAH would be given, Recommendation...place your things in storage, this frees you up paying rent, utilities etc because paying rent for a place not occupied is the same as an over priced storage unit...

Response by CPT Lawrence Cable made Jun 14 at 2020 8:17 AM

2020-06-14T08:17:08-04:00

Former S-1 speaking. Normal rules are that a single soldier will not get BAH if the government provides quarters. Yes, the amount of BAH you would receive is based on where you are assigned, so the BAH would be based on the location of your Guard unit and not Ft Leonard Wood. I can't find any exception for Reserve/National Guard that are single with an apartment lease. I would assume that the answer is no, but take a copy of your lease if you still wish to keep the apartment if you aren't reimbursed and see if Finance will give you a waiver for the period.

6 months is a long time to pay for an apartment you aren't going to see for that period.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 14 at 2020 1:38 PM

2020-06-14T13:38:13-04:00

Just graduated last year from good old Lost in the Woods. No BAH unless you are married prior then you may get partial depending on your spouses location but it was touch and go honestly. Don’t get too stuck on your duty station yet. 20 weeks is a long time. Feel free to DM me if you have any specific FLW questions. And if you’re a 31B I can help out as well!

Response by SGM Bill Frazer made Jun 15 at 2020 8:45 AM

2020-06-15T08:45:57-04:00

Dylan, our point is that you are being treated just like Every other PVT. You have to tell your unit about the problem!

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 11 at 2020 1:28 AM

2020-07-11T01:28:56-04:00

My girlfriend is in the same boat. I think that it really depends on your unit, and whether you’re willing to fight for the BAH.

This length of time would typically count as a PCS, but it’s a little different for reserve components.

If you have a lease, you should be entitled to BAH, as long as your lease spans throughout the duration of your OSUT.

I’ve recently transitioned to the reserves from active duty. Reclassed as well. I received BAH after completing a 5960 and providing a copy of my lease. There was a PV2 there that had issues, because he had a lease that listed his parents as the landlords (apparently, he took care of his elderly parents). However, he mentioned later on that his unit would process and back pay his BAH later on.

To sum it all up, it’s a bit much to ask a reserve soldier to cancel their lease, move everything to a storage shed, etc for 5 months of training. You have 35 year olds that join that potentially have years of renting one place under their belt. They may not be married, homeowners, etc, but they have established lives that would be difficult to come home to and restart.
Some things to consider:
-What’s the minimum length of time to process orders and ship out. Is this amount of time enough for said soldier to cancel their lease and move everything? If yes, will moving expenses be covered?
-How can a single soldier who goes away for 30+ days of training pay for their rent if their live in an area in which base pay is less than the average rent?