Hi I was curious if there is any regulations preventing a junior enlisted single soldier to rent an apartment?

2019-08-05T21:31:04-04:00

I understand that I would not qualify for BAH/BAS and would be required to maintain my barracks room, but I just want to make sure that I cannot get in any trouble for doing so.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 5 at 2019 10:43 PM

2019-08-05T22:43:46-04:00

I know this isn't the answer you want, but please be careful when making such a huge decision. Paying for rent, utilities, transportation and food will eat away at your paychecks quick. Simply getting out of the barracks isnt a good enough reason to live paycheck to paycheck.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 5 at 2019 10:43 PM

2019-08-05T22:43:55-04:00

You shouldn’t. But if I were a company commander, I would counsel you and probably make an appointment for you to get with the financial management rep to iron out a logical budget. If you rent a 1 BR apartment, insurance, utilities, etc. will run you probably over 50 percent of your actual pay. Also moving off post you will probably be eating more on your own expense and not receiving BAS so that’s another expense. If you own a vehicle you have to figure that in as well. Also, if you are not contributing to a retirement plan, you need to be as well as some sort of savings plan. So all these things added together on PFC pay would make me nervous as a senior leader about you moving off post.

Response by SGM Bill Frazer made Aug 5 at 2019 10:54 PM

2019-08-05T22:54:26-04:00

Look technically you must have the CO authorization to do so. If you are late 1 damn time, they can move you back in billets for as long as they want. It will cost you a ton of money- rent, utilities, transportation, meals, etc.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 5 at 2019 11:29 PM

2019-08-05T23:29:41-04:00

Much like blowing your money on an expensive car, all we can do as leaders is tell you not to be a dumbass with your money. And when you've been counseled, and you end up unable to pay your debts, you'll be barred, flagged and chaptered for failing to maintain financial security.

Don't throw your money away. If you find you have that much money left over after payday, put it into your TSP or invest in a class of some type. Maybe get your pilots license or skydiving license.

Response by SSG Laurie Mullen made Aug 6 at 2019 12:21 AM

2019-08-06T00:21:59-04:00

Soldiers are always busting on living in the barracks. I didn't mind it. I had a short commute to PT and work formations, which meant that I didn't need to get up early to drive in. When I left for field exercises I could be fairly confident that my stuff wasn't going to get stolen. I could save a lot of money, it's how I was able to pay off one of my vehicles in less than three years. The barracks do suck from time to time, but soldiers have a lot more freedom and better living conditions than when I first enlisted on active duty. It was because of those changes that I didn't mind living in the barracks.

Response by LCDR Joshua Gillespie made Aug 6 at 2019 7:51 AM

2019-08-06T07:51:13-04:00

Please don't.

Response by LTC Gary Earls made Aug 6 at 2019 10:18 AM

2019-08-06T10:18:33-04:00

You have received a lot of excellent advice. I'm a fan of Dave Ramsey who is a financial expert and he advises to have a thousand dollar emergency fund to cover a situation that comes up without going further into debt. Create a budget and see what where your money goes. You can go to: http://www.everydollar.com for free. Good luck.

www.everydollar.com

Response by MSgt Neil Greenfield made Aug 6 at 2019 10:37 AM

2019-08-06T10:37:17-04:00

Apart from the financial aspects of this action you're considering, you also need to think about what the rest of your squad, platoon, etc., may think about it. I get it though. When I was in the Army, in MI, I couldn't wait to get off base and into a place of my own when I made SGT.

But you're Infantry and that's a completely different mindset to MI. You and your mates, as well as your Squad Leader, Platoon SGT, etc., need to depend upon each other and if they suspect that you can't be relied upon to be there when you're needed, whether deserved or not, you'll be looked at negatively. Just food for thought.

Response by SGT David Petree made Aug 6 at 2019 11:34 AM

2019-08-06T11:34:13-04:00

?? is there a lease or rental agreement ! can you get out of it if you are diploid ?? or transfer to another base? you must have really good transportation to & from base . you MUST look at all the possibility's before you jump in to this. will you have to pay rent if diploid ? are you married ?

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 6 at 2019 12:54 PM

2019-08-06T12:54:43-04:00

It is the base that has the policy as to who can get and who cannot get a house/apartment off post. It is always rank based. If you are not of the proper rank to be allowed off-post housing, then you will need to request permission from your Commander. If your Commander tells you NO, then that's it. End of discussion. If you do it anyway after being told NO, then you will get in trouble.

Response by SSG Jose M. Hernandezsanchez made Aug 8 at 2019 9:24 AM

2019-08-08T09:24:27-04:00

Personally, I wouldn't recommend you doing that. Take advantages of the billets provided to you and the benefits.