My DS said I'm not allowed to talk to S1 while I'm at AIT. Is that true?

2020-08-16T00:46:58-04:00

My BHA switched from CA (my spouse's location) to my AIT location (Ft. Sam Houston). For what I was told, I should get BHA based on my home of record while I'm at AIT. Also, DOD FMR 7A, Chapter 26-9 "is newly inducted, enlisted, reenlisted, or an officer candidate then the payable BAH rate is the dependent’s location rate." I want to talk to S1 about this but my DS said I can't talk to S1 as IET.
Your input would be greatly appreciated!

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 16 at 2020 2:41 AM

2020-08-16T02:41:34-04:00

You are absolutely entitled and required to talk to S1 and Finance. If your DS says no, go over their head and talk to their boss.

Response by SSG Brian G. made Aug 16 at 2020 3:39 AM

2020-08-16T03:39:26-04:00

No. BAH is based on where you the soldier are. If your AIT is of a length that is 20+ weeks that is considered a PCS move and so you will get BAH on that location. Whoever told you that your BAH is based on your spouses location is wrong or did not ask enough questions before answering you.

Also, no, you DS had no business telling you that you could not see your S1. Go over your DS head and speak to his or her next line supervisor.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 16 at 2020 11:20 AM

2020-08-16T11:20:59-04:00

They usually give you an opportunity to fix this sort of thing while in Reception before you get to a training company. If you get a chance to talk to S1/Finance/DEERS etc be sure to have a copy of your property taxes, mortgage statement, or a copy of your lease for the residence you are trying to get BAH for. I personally had to go to a land line phone, get my bank to FAX (who does fax anymore) my documentation to finance, and then just cross my fingers (it worked by the way).

The last thing you need is to get to S1 and be told you need additional documentation, which will likely push you out who knows how long until you get get back to them. Do NOT walk into S1 without any way to prove you should get BAH.

The worst place to be to deal with admin stuff is TRADOC once the training ball has started to roll.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 16 at 2020 11:29 AM

2020-08-16T11:29:50-04:00

The S1 likely told your DS that they don’t want to interact directly with IET. That said, your DS should still be able to complete a pay inquiry with you and submit thru S1 to finance. My guess is that your DA Form 5960 was processed based on duty location, not location of your dependents. You may need to resubmit it to correct your BAH. Keep track of your pay to ensure you get the appropriate back pay. Keep in mind that your PCS orders for phase 2 will likely show dependents: Yes, so your BAH for phase 2 will be your duty station because it is 22 weeks long. If you don’t bring your family to phase 2, you can request a G1 waiver to be paid at the rate where your family is living, but it’s not guaranteed, can take a long time to process, and is not retroactive. Because you are getting BAH, you may not be able to live in the barracks at phase 2 and have to pay rent at your duty location and pay for where your family resides.