Posted on Mar 11, 2014
SGT Platoon Medic
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I am stationed in Hawaii and fixing to go to Fort Sam for a 68W reclass. The class is only 18 weeks so my dependents cannot go with me. I was instructed that I would need to put in for a BAH/COLA waiver so that I will continue to receive it for Hawaii where my dependents will remain until I finish school. I need to know what documents is needed and where I can find the memo to summit my request. My unit has not a clue nor does the BN I am with ( or so they say). Any help with be much appreciated. 
Posted in these groups: Bah calculator BAH090710 a 3251c 006 ReclassAf5fc4e COLA (Cost of Living)
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1SG Nathanial Wood
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As far as I know if you are in TDY status your BAH remains active for the duty station that your family resides at.  Are you dual military with no dependents? A little more specific information about your family situation might help solve this.

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SGT Platoon Medic
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11 y
Also probably need to add it is TDY enroute to new assignment. So from school I will go to my new assignment and my son will join me there.
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1SG Nathanial Wood
1SG Nathanial Wood
11 y
Not sure about TDY enroute, as mine has always been TDY and return.  You need to go to your serving finance explain what you are trying to do and ask for an example packet.  If you haven't already notified your NCO Support Channel of the trouble you're having you need to do so.  It's what they exist for.  Bottom line is if finance is telling you that you need an ETP and that it is done by your Unit/S1 then that's what needs to happen.  If you're COC and NCO Support Channel are not addressing this issue then there are other avenues of redress.
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1SG Shane Hansen
1SG Shane Hansen
11 y
TDY enroute should be no different, except when you get to your TDY location as part of inprocessing you should fill out a BAH recert form.  All you do is put the address where your dependents are located and that is where you will receive BAH for.  You will repeat this process when you get to your new duty location also.  This is the first I am hearing of a BAH waiver even existing.
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SGT Platoon Medic
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Thank you 1SG, that makes sense to me. All this other stuff is confusing. Good to know Fort Riley got it together for most part that is my next duty station after I finish my reclass training. 

Also Thanks SFC Wood, I finally got tired of being tossed around, no one knowing anything and finally spoke with my 1SG he is looking into it now and seems to be staying on it. So hopefully answers soon.

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Col Regional Director, Whem/Ssa And Congressional Liaison
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SPC Douglas, I am somewhat familiar with the process as I've been in a similar situation and hope that this may be helpful in some way, the information and process provided is for the USAF and in the case of a PCS, but I would imagine that it is fundamentally similar for the USA (although the length of the school may be a sticking point); that said here is a starting point for a draft letter, it will of course be on official letterhead and will have to be endorsed by the Army equivalent of the "Chief, Air Force Compensation ad Travel Division (Directorate of Force Management Policy). The body of the final approval letter will look something like this (adjust accordingly for an official request letter from you to their office)

 

-- SUBJECT: Request for Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) Waiver for 68W Reclassification - SPC Meckey Douglas

 

-- BODY:  We have reviewed SPC Douglas' request for a waiver to retain BAH at the with-dependent rate based on dependents' address (address here), while attending military occupational specialty retraining.

 

    Approved BAH rate will be effective for Military Housing Area (MHA) (dependents' address here) on the date member arrived at the new duty station, (duty location here). If dependents change residential address, then member is no longer eligible for BAH waiver and needs to submit an updated waiver request based on dependents' changed circumstances.

 

    Since this authorization is based on member's request, Family Separation Housing Allowance is not authorized.

 

-- Signature block

-- First endorsement

 

Please note that this was approved for a PCS situation, again for schools/training of 20 weeks or less (the TDY en route is likely something to emphasize in your draft letter), it may be a bit more challenging to get approved. Let's see what others on the Army side have to say about current trends, potential templates, and office contact information.  If you have any questions at all, please feel free to reply to this post or send a direct message if you'd rather. I wish you and your family all the best and good luck with your upcoming school!  

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SGT Platoon Medic
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11 y
Thank you so much Sir, This at least gives me a starting point to go with.
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SFC Communications Chief (S6)
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Experience would tell me if they're asking for one, they have a copy somewhere or at least the formatting for one available. 
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SGT Platoon Medic
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11 y
You would think so, but I was sent to my s-1 who had no idea. Sadly I have a unit who is not very helpful and you are left to do most of the clearing process and paperwork on your own.
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What is needed for a BAH waiver and where can I find example of the memo?
SGT Sarah Maxwell
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This may seem like a silly response, but have you tried Google? Anytime I have a question that no one seems to have an answer to, I just type in the question... Usually (more likely than not) an answer is found. Hope that helps.
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SGT Platoon Medic
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11 y
Yes I have and with no luck. I can find who qualifies for it but no help on documents or memo's
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1SG Nathanial Wood
1SG Nathanial Wood
11 y
Duplicate, Sorry.
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SSG Automated Logistical Specialist
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http://www.ncosupport.com/military-news/bah-waiver.html

I found this. hopefully it is of some help
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SPC Team Leader
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I have the same question. Im deploying and Im looking to fill out a memo to be able to send my family back home while im gone. If you get answers can you please help
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SGT Sarah Maxwell
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Ok, I googled it and found Army Housing on Facebook, took a screenshot for you... But a lot of answers came up. You should definitely be able to at least find a good POC for an example.
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