Wondering if your girlfriend can live on base with you? It’s a common question for many service members navigating the complexities of military life. Living arrangements on base come with specific rules and regulations that can impact your relationship and daily life.
Understanding Military Base Housing Rules
Eligibility Criteria for On-Base Housing
Military service members must meet specific criteria to qualify for on-base housing. You must be active duty and assigned to the base. Dependents, including spouses and children, are eligible as well.
However, girlfriends don’t fall under the dependent category, making them ineligible for on-base housing.
This is why a lot of military members will get married, to take advantage of Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) and other married military benefits. That is what the Netflix movie Purple Hearts is all about.
Check with your base housing office for specific guidelines. Additionally, a housing waiting list may apply depending on availability.
Differences Between Civilian and Military Living Arrangements
Civilian and military living arrangements differ significantly. Civilian housing offers more flexibility, while military housing follows strict regulations.
You might face inspections, curfews, and residency rules in barracks, which don’t apply in civilian homes.
Civilian homes also allow you to live with your girlfriend without any additional fuss. Military housing requires official documentation and approval.
Your girlfriend can’t live with you on-base unless married or receiving specific command approval, which is rare. Consider these differences when planning your living situation.
Policy on Unmarried Partners Living on Base
Regulations Across Different Branches of the Military
Each military branch has specific regulations about unmarried partners living on base. For example, the Army generally restricts on-base housing to service members and their dependents, so girlfriends don’t live with soldiers on base.
The Air Force follows similar rules, usually denying housing to non-dependent partners.
The Navy and Marine Corps also have policies that restrict on-base living to spouses, children, and legally recognized dependents only.
Each branch enforces these regulations strictly, keeping to guidelines set by the Department of Defense (DoD) to maintain uniformity and order.
Exceptions and Special Considerations
Although it’s rare, exceptions and special considerations do exist. Commanders might offer waivers in unique situations, such as long-term partnerships where your girlfriend can show significant dependency.
Hardship tours might also provide exceptions, particularly in overseas assignments where command approval allows an unmarried partner to live with you on base.
However, you’ll need to present compelling reasons and supporting documents to justify these exceptions, and approval is neither automatic nor guaranteed.
Housing Alternatives Near Military Bases
Off-Base Housing Options for Couples
When the military doesn’t allow your girlfriend to live on base, exploring off-base housing and apartments might be something to look into.
There are often a lot of options aroundmilitary bases include renting apartments, leasing houses, and residing in military-sponsored housing.
Renting apartments offers flexibility, as leases can range from short-term to long-term. Leasing houses provides more space and often includes amenities such as private yards and parking.
Many military bases partner with local housing agencies to provide military-sponsored housing that mimics the security and community feel of on-base living. These options typically prioritize military families and offer competitive rental rates. Websites such as AHRN (Automated Housing Referral Network) list available rentals near military installations, helping you find suitable accommodations.
Benefits of Living Off Base for Unmarried Couples
Living off base presents several benefits for unmarried couples.
Greater privacy stands as a primary advantage, allowing couples to maintain a household without military oversight. Another benefit includes the variety of housing styles and locations, enabling you to choose a home that best fits your lifestyle and preferences.
Off-base living also often offers better local community integration, with access to diverse local amenities such as shopping centers, restaurants, and entertainment venues that might be lacking on base.
Financially, living off base can be advantageous if you find rental rates lower than the Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) provided to service members, allowing you to save or allocate funds to other needs.
Overall, considering off-base housing alternatives can significantly enhance your living situation when the military regulations prevent on-base cohabitation.
Financial Implications
Costs Associated With Living on Base
Living on base can impact your finances in various ways. Typically, service members residing on base don’t pay for housing directly, as the costs are covered by the Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH).
However, unmarried partners like girlfriends aren’t entitled to this benefit if they aren’t recognized dependents. You’ll need to cover their living expenses, which might include utilities, groceries, and personal items. Also, due to restricted housing availability, you might receive smaller quarters, influencing costs related to additional space requirements.
Financial Benefits of On-Base Versus Off-Base Living
Choosing on-base living offers some clear financial benefits. There’s often no out-of-pocket rent or utility costs. In contrast, off-base living allows greater flexibility and might provide cost-saving opportunities through competitive rental markets, but you’ll directly pay for rent, utilities, and other expenses.
Sometimes, finding affordable housing off base can lead to savings beyond the BAH, especially if you choose to live further from the base. Weigh these factors to determine the most favorable financial option for your situation.
Use a decision matrix to compare both options effectively and make the best financial decision for your unique circumstances.