How does BAH work with voluntary unaccompanied living in two separate countries?

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 21 Dec 2021 09:56:56 -0500

I recently got married, however I am stationed in Fort Sill and going on deployment soon so we felt there was no point in her moving to america right now. Me and my spouse live in two separate countries and I will be stationed in her country in less than two years where we will start working on her visa. However my question is, since the army did away with Geographical Bachelors, will I have to apply for BAH and move out of the barracks and live alone in an apartment off base? (Fort sill has no open on base housing with a backlog if I am well informed) or can I not apply for BAH and still live in my barracks room?

Response by SGM Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 21 at 2021 11:01 AM

SGM Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 21 Dec 2021 11:01:52 -0500

You cannot receive BAH and live in the barracks.
If you want BAH, you can get the BAH rate for Fort Sill.
You can choose to move your spouse there and save money, or you can get Fort Sill BAH to cover your Fort Sill residence and where ever else your spouse lives.

Response by PFC David Foster made Dec 21 at 2021 11:26 AM

PFC David Foster — Tue, 21 Dec 2021 11:26:10 -0500

I don't know, but it's interesting, thanks for sharing.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 21 at 2021 12:07 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 21 Dec 2021 12:07:09 -0500

The army did away with Geobach and just transitioned it to Married-Unaccompanied. You will still live in the barracks because 1) you and your spouse reside in different countries 2) your spouse does not currently have a VISA to live or work in the US. You can put in a 5960 to start BAH but it will be rejected just as quick as you submit it.

Response by SPC Dawn Appelberg (Johnson) made Dec 25 at 2021 10:54 PM

SPC Dawn Appelberg (Johnson) — Sat, 25 Dec 2021 22:54:37 -0500

Member to member without another dependent will ALWAYS be BAH Single or Type II for both parties. Living in the barracks you will still be considered member to member no other dependents. It will have to be a command decision on whether to allow you to move out of the barracks or not. If they do, you will still ONLY receive BAH Single. Check the OHA (Overseas Housing Allowance) 2606 OVERSEAS HOUSING ALLOWANCE (OHA) in DOD FMR Vol 7A (page 429 currently) for your spouse possibly.

Response by SMSgt Bob W. made Jan 1 at 2022 6:11 PM

SMSgt Bob W. — Sat, 01 Jan 2022 18:11:07 -0500

Don't wait to get the visa paperwork started. DO IT NOW!!! It is a long process with physicals, family histories, interviews, etc. Get the visa, take a trip to the States and get the Green Card applied for and have it sent to your parents or siblings' home [the can forward it to you]. You spouse needs a passport from their country of origin [ie, South Korea, Germany, Afghanistan, etc]. The process could take three months or longer, depending on family history, if any children are involved, and the spouse's home country requirements. You should have already completed some of the paperwork during the marriage requirements [GI to a foreign national].