What regulations or policies dictate or directly state that a single soldier must live in the barracks?

2020-04-22T16:30:44-04:00

I have been living off post as a quote un quote "single soldier" for over a year now without receiving a dime of bah or bas or anything of the sort and have had zero issues. But now my commande is saying its against regulation. So please I beg of you in the community. To share with me legitimate publications articles etc that are found to current and up to date. So as to not just go off half cocked. Mind you I just took my rank away myself. Because I feel regardless of whatever factual evidence I provide by the end of the day no matter hiw tactful and respectful I present myself I feel my little E-3 rank will be gone.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 22 at 2020 4:58 PM

2020-04-22T16:58:05-04:00

What base are you assigned to and what is the post policy on single soldiers of your rank living off post? The reason why I ask is because the Army Barracks Management Program Handbook (dated 9 Jan 2018), states on Page 14 in section 3.1.2 it states Single Soldiers from E-1 thru E-5 living CONUS are required to live in the barracks. Check out the link. There is a Reference Page, as well

https://www.housing.army.mil/Documents/FSBP2020.pdf

FSBP2020.pdf

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 22 at 2020 5:22 PM

2020-04-22T17:22:34-04:00

You need to check installation and command policies.

Assuming you are permanent party, why wouldn't you request BAH?

Response by SGM Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 22 at 2020 10:06 PM

2020-04-22T22:06:08-04:00

AR 420–1 (page 47) https://armypubs.army.mil/epubs/DR_pubs/DR_a/pdf/web/ARN15517_R420_1_admin_FINAL.pdf
k. Authority to live off post.
(1) The authority to live off post may be denied if it would adversely affect a training mission, military discipline,or military readiness. (IMCOM region directors may not grant exceptions.)
(2) Garrison commanders may authorize single Soldiers in the grade of sergeant (E–5) and below CONUS including Hawaii and Alaska; staff sergeant (E–6) and below OCONUS, to reside off post under the following conditions:
(a) When adequate housing is not available and military necessity is not a factor.
(b) When the Soldier is pregnant.
(c) When the Soldier has purchased a home near the installation prior to notification of assignment to that installation.
(3) When a Soldier married to another Soldier without Family members resides off post and 1 of the Soldiers departs on a separate tour, the other Soldier will not be ordered to return to housing.

When someone who has been in the Army much longer than you says something is against regs, you can usually assume that is true, no matter how much it goes against what you want to do.

Your problem is that you needed approval from the Installation Commander to reside off post, you did not get that, or even inform your company commander that you were residing off-post, putting him at risk of being party to your violation of this reg, and as well as his unknowingly assuming the risk for you living off post.

You would be lucky to only be restricted to barracks when this is over.

ARN15517_R420_1_admin_FINAL.pdf

Response by SFC Herve Abrams made Apr 22 at 2020 11:30 PM

2020-04-22T23:30:25-04:00

It ain’t worth it. Get back to the barracks when it’s time for you to sleep. Maintain your room in accordance with standards, fulfill your duty roster assignments for common area cleanup, and you’ll be able to spend the rest of your time off post.

Response by CSM Darieus ZaGara made Apr 23 at 2020 6:57 AM

2020-04-23T06:57:04-04:00

If you choose to stay off base that is your call. The government owes you housing and unless otherwise unavailable you have to stay in the barracks, therefore sign for and maintain a room. This is the same for a Soldier with family, if on post quarters are available they must stay in on post quarters.
If your unit orders you to stay in your assigned quarters you should be very careful in following those orders. Violating them can cause what you fear. And you are correct, you would be giving up your rank. Stay in the barracks.

Response by SPC Chad Force made May 21 at 2021 9:32 PM

2021-05-21T21:32:31-04:00

I maintained a barracks room and stored my issued gear there and showered there after PT but primarily stayed off Ft Hood my last couple years. Didn't make a big deal of it, was always early for duty, didn't request bah. Roommate of course loved it. Restriction is a punishment that can be imposed following an Article 15. When I received a rare inquiry, I tactfully pointed out that I was not restricted to base or unit area, I had reliable transportation, and I maintained my assigned living quarters in an inspection ready condition. It helped that I was battalion soldier of the year and working my second E6 job.