Just a general question as to broaden my knowledge on barracks utilization.

2015-07-10T12:56:33-04:00

I am a SSG whom went TDY to Fort Hood. My unit put me in the barracks with a SPC room mate (they are a permanent resident there, not TDY with me). The room was not only dirty as all get out, but smelled like month old dirty clothes. I did ensure the SM cleaned his room and the common areas on day one and throughout my TDY.

Not only did I find it quite strange, but they also put me in the barracks management system as a "PFC" in order for it to register as me being able to stay in the barracks. ( I found this out on the day I "cleared" my room) My question is:

Does any of this make sense? Have any of you ran into a similar situation before? Is this common practice?

Don't take this as complaining or anything like that. I am just trying to educate myself on this situation. It all seemed a bit off from the get-go.

Response by COL Jean (John) F. B. made Jul 10 at 2015 12:59 PM

2015-07-10T12:59:45-04:00

SFC Andrew B. - Does not should kosher to me. An NCO should never be roomed with a junior enlisted member. First I have ever heard of this happening, although I am sure it is not the first time it has happened.

Response by SFC Jason Heritage made Jul 10 at 2015 1:01 PM

2015-07-10T13:01:58-04:00

Can't say I have any experience there, however, I went TDY to Fort Knox and was put up in condemned barracks. We only found out when the fire alarm wouldn't shut off and the fire department had to come out. We were asked who authorized us staying there, the Post XO ended up getting involved.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 10 at 2015 1:08 PM

2015-07-10T13:08:23-04:00

Something (besides that SPC's room) does not smell kosher.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 10 at 2015 1:10 PM

2015-07-10T13:10:39-04:00

I need some clarity first. Who were you there for? What was your TDY for? Whose barracks were you put up in?

Response by SFC Andrew B. made Jul 10 at 2015 1:25 PM

2015-07-10T13:25:12-04:00

Forgot to mention, it's not a big deal. But, the first 3-4 days I was TDY there was no A/C in my room.
I mentioned the stink and issues with having a lower enlisted room mate
I mentioned the issues with the cleanliness of the SM's room/common area as well.
My room wasn't clean to begin with so I laughed pretty hard when I was told I had to "clear/clean" to leave.
When did we get away from doing barracks inspections and holding SM's to a standard of cleanliness?

I voiced this to the housing office and they said tough luck, it's your room, make a work order request. When I was told that I went ahead and stepped in and made the individual clean his mess and keep it that way while I was there. I was trying to give his unit a chance to fix him and see the issue themselves before I stepped in.

Response by TSgt Kevin Buccola made Jul 10 at 2015 1:28 PM

2015-07-10T13:28:09-04:00

only once in my career - it was after hurricane katrina and I had to report to keesler - they gave me a room with a room mate. I was told due to limited space that it had to be that way. I checked out went to the nearest hotel and paid my own way. I was only there for 2 days no biggie.

Response by SFC Rollie Hubbard made Jul 10 at 2015 2:23 PM

2015-07-10T14:23:49-04:00

TDY personnel should never be housed with permanent party troops.

Response by SFC Ronnie Seaton Jr made Jul 10 at 2015 6:02 PM

2015-07-10T18:02:06-04:00

You should have a government travel card and be authorized to use it for TDY. That would have solved the issue by going to the lodging office and renting a hotel room. That's my experience.

Response by SFC(P) John McLaughlin made Jul 10 at 2015 8:56 PM

2015-07-10T20:56:29-04:00

First off sounds like FT Hood housing is dropping the ball. Second an NCO should never share with an lower enlisted. Third TDY should be housed in guest housing or off post hotel. Seems like to many civilians running things.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 11 at 2015 5:37 PM

2015-07-11T17:37:52-04:00

That's the dumbest thing ever. Why would they put you in the barracks when you are on TDY?

Response by SPC Nathan Acreman made Jul 20 at 2015 9:07 PM

2015-07-20T21:07:20-04:00

This sounds extremely odd to me. Anytime I went TDY anywhere I was either given a room or a hotel room. I don't think I would room a SSG with a SPC ever for the sake of both parties. I think junior enlisted need a chance to get away from the NCOs as much as the NCOs need time away from the junior enlisted. This situation sucks all the way around, and why if no other option was available did the soldiers NCO not do a room inspection first.

Response by CW2 Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 22 at 2015 6:52 PM

2015-07-22T18:52:55-04:00

Wha????