LIVING ON BASE FOR THE FIRST TIME? HERE’S WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
When it’s your first time living on base in the military, the change can seem like a lot and the thought is often intimidating. However, like most new ventures, with the right preparation, milspouses and their families can move with confidence while avoiding some of the pitfalls they might otherwise face.
What Is It Like Living on a Military Base?
You might not find a universal experience for living on a military base; however, there are some things every milspouse should be aware of before making a decision to live on an installation:
Accessing and Navigating Your Base Requires Preparation
Beginning your new life living on base in the military will mean getting access, and to do so, you’re going to need to have proper identification.
The process of getting an ID varies by base, for example, some bases will require a valid USID if you are navigating an institution unaccompanied, while others need a visitor pass.
You can often receive the credentials you need by visiting the RAPIDS ID Card Office, or, your base’s Visitor Center for a pass. By doing so, you can access the installation where your service member is stationed.
Furthermore, one of the coolest parts about living on base is the easy access to essential amenities like grocery stores (commissaries), retail shops/base exchanges, gas stations, gyms, libraries, pools, schools, and more.
Many bases also have Child Development Centers (CDCs) offering childcare, though availability and policies vary. Furthermore, many shops offer cheaper goods and services than off base helping your family save on essentials.
Housing Is Managed by Third Parties
When you live on base, it’s important to understand how housing works because unlike off base where you can purchase a home, you’re going to be renting.
You may think that your landlord would be the U.S. military; however, you're actually renting from a private housing company under a lease agreement.
This means that while there are resources from the military, maintenance services for home repairs, complaints, and other home-related issues will go through a third party using a work order system.
Before signing, request a walk-through, document everything, and be sure to ask questions about your options.
While your rent is typically equal to Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH), which is deducted directly from the paycheck of the service member, each base has different rules.
It’s important to learn the finer details of how housing works on your base through the company’s on-base office before signing up.
Note: Similar to apartments, condo communities, and the suburbs, privacy isn’t exactly the key selling point here. If you don’t want to be close to your neighbors, you may want to explore other options.
Not All Pets Are Welcomed
You may love the four-legged members of your family but not all bases are accommodating.
For starters, even if your pets are allowed on base, and many are, they are required to have vaccines and other medical standards up-to-date before they are permitted to live on an installation. You can take care of this at your base’s vet.
Additionally, like everything else, the rules will vary. This means while exotic animals are virtually a no-go everywhere, more common pets may also not be allowed on certain bases.
For example, you may be allowed to have a certain dog breed on one installation but not another, or local wildlife restrictions may limit the pets allowed to live on base.
Military Traditions Occur Daily
Bugle calls are often used throughout military bases to observe daily traditions to signal the start and end of the duty day.
"Reveille" plays in the morning for the raising of the flag, while "Retreat" signals sunset and the lowering of the colors.
Civilians should stand, place their right hand over their heart, and face the nearest flag—or the music if a flag isn’t visible. If driving, everyone should pull over until the music ends.
Furthermore, "Taps," played at 9:00 p.m., marks quiet hours, and while no action is necessary, it's still a sign of your base settling down. Respectful actions are expected so that warfighters can get the rest they need to continue serving our nation.
Everyone’s Experience Living on Base is Unique
Living on base is going to present many parallels no matter where you are; however, it's important to keep things in perspective.
Each installation is different and while military families share similar experiences, housing companies organize events to foster community, etc., you're going to have a unique experience everywhere you live.
Fortunately, strong friendships are often formed through military life, created through simple acts like seeing your neighbor when taking out the trash, helping someone with a home project, or cooking for the family who just added a newborn military brat to their ranks.
Local social media groups can help you stay up-to-date and connect with your community.
Do You Get BAS While Living on Base?
Service members receive Basic Allowance for Subsistence (BAS) to help cover food costs, regardless of whether they live on base. Therefore, yes, if you're living on base with your family, BAS is available for both officers and enlisted members.
The real difference would be for those living in the barracks, where some of this payment is deducted. However, since milspouses are generally barred from living in barracks, this only applies to single service members.
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