When I PCS, should I sell or rent my house in Houston? Also, should I get housing on or off base?

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 06 Nov 2024 01:42:44 -0500

I am awaiting DCC/BOLC dates. Going to active duty and knowing I will PCS right out of BOLC, want to set the ball rolling on my family plans!
Still unsure what to do with my (wife and 1 child) house in Houston.
I am hoping to get Ft. Cavazos, is it advisable to get a shared room and commute while my family stay back in Houston?
The other location I lowkey love is Walter Reed - AOC is 66S.
Ft. Cavazos vs W. Reed! Which one is a better option?

Thank you
Forever indebted to everyone helping with advice and ideas.

Response by MAJ Ronnie Reams made Nov 6 at 2024 10:48 AM

MAJ Ronnie Reams — Wed, 06 Nov 2024 10:48:41 -0500

I have heard WRAMC was closed in a BRAC. Perhaps someone up that way can confirm.

I

Response by COL Randall C. made Nov 6 at 2024 11:25 AM

COL Randall C. — Wed, 06 Nov 2024 11:25:29 -0500

SPC Private RallyPoint Member, congrats on the selection! Being DCed as an O-3 from your current grade will definitely be a change.

Your question about attending CCC right after BOLC is something I would confirm with your AMEDD recruiter (as a "would you happen to know?") or the 66S Career Manager at HRC* (as HRC does the your BOLC and follow-on assignments), but typically the answer is no as the Army's requirement to attend the CCC is to have a minimum of four years commissioned service prior to attending.

If you contact the Career Manager, don't bother with the "what assignment will I be doing next" type of questions as you'll be a round-peg in search of a round-hole and it depends on the round-holes that need to be filled when they start doing assignments for the graduating students.

BTW, you probably should start becoming familiar with the Assignment Interactive Module 2.0 (AIM 2.0) as that's how you're going to make your preferences known 'to the enterprise' (although I'm not sure how much it is referenced for your first assignment after training).

After you're commissioned, your first step will be to attending the AMEDD-DCC class at Fort Sill* for four weeks and then be sent to your BOLC-B at Fort Sam Houston* in San Antonio (where the Army's Medical Center of Excellence (MEDCoE) is located).

You'll have to check with your recruiter or Career Manager to see what's after that (more training? 1st assignment? etc.), but I wouldn't plan on dragging you family along with you until you get your first PCS assignment. Otherwise they'll be there on your own dime and you aren't allowed to (without permission for an exception) during your DCC and BOLC.

While at BOLC you might be able to get a weekend pass to drive back to Houston to see your family (~3 hour drive), but I would only recommend that if there is something other than you and them missing each other as you'll likely have other things taking priority (such as doing required readings/study for class, etc.).
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* HRC AMEDD Nurse Corps Career Managers - https://www.hrc.army.mil/content/965&search%3D1
* AMEDD DCC Army Medical Department Direct Commission Course - https://sill-http://www.army.mil/30ada/amedd_dcc.html
* MEDCoE BOLC information - https://medcoe.army.mil/bolc

Other useful resources:
AMEDD BOLC Handbook - https://medcoeckapwstorprd01.blob.core.usgovcloudapi.net/pfw-images/dbimages/BOLC%20Student%20Handbook%20(30%20JUL%202024).pdf

DA PAM 600-4 (Army Medical Department Officer Career Management) - https://armypubs.army.mil/epubs/DR_pubs/DR_a/ARN36761-PAM_600-4-000-WEB-1.pdf

965&search%253D1

Response by CW4 Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 22 at 2024 8:00 AM

CW4 Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 22 Nov 2024 08:00:49 -0500

Your question touches on several key decisions that will impact your family and financial situation. Based on my experience, whether to rent out a home is heavily driven by the market and the specific zip code. In some areas, rental demand and property values can make it a worthwhile endeavor, while in others, risks like vacancies or tenant-related issues can add complexity. Houston's real estate market has unique trends that should be carefully evaluated.

Given the complexities involved, I strongly recommend consulting with a financial advisor who is a fiduciary. They can provide tailored guidance based on your financial goals and the specifics of the Houston housing market.

As for your family and commuting plans, factors like duty demands, commute times, and quality of life all come into play. Both Fort Cavazos and Walter Reed have their own merits, and the decision ultimately depends on what aligns best with your career and family priorities.

Best of luck as you prepare for DCC/BOLC and this exciting new chapter. Your service and dedication are appreciated! Side note, I had a home in Pearland, TX and was lucky to rent it our when I PCS'd. Then I eventually sold and did well in the sale.