Life in the Military
Generally, housing is provided for all active duty service members, whether they’re living on or off base. There may be exceptions to this rule, which you can discuss with a recruiter. Otherwise, with the abundance of housing options, most service members will be able to find housing that fits their needs.
On This Page
- Basic Training Barracks
- Family Housing
- Living off Base
- Living Quarters at Sea
- Pet Ownership
- Hosting Visitors
Basic Training Barracks
During Basic Training, men and women live in separate quarters, which consist of shared bunks and bathroom facilities. Because service members are there for training, personal items are kept to a minimum, and everything happens on a set schedule, allowing service members to focus on learning and working as a team.
Single Service Member Dorms, Barracks & Apartments
As service members move up in rank, they get more housing options to choose from, if available. Junior single service members can live in complexes that resemble a modern college dormitory, which could consist of a single or shared room with a shared living area.
Transcription
Related Videos
Living in the Barracks
Length 1:43
Learn about life in the barracks from two young service members who share their thoughts on accommodations, roommates, nearby conveniences and community.
If you are a single soldier and your rank is 5 andbelow and you don't have any dependents, then you. Just live in the barracks that are assignedto your unit.
I would say that living in thebarracks is definitely you know, close to living in the college dorms you know, you live arounda lot of guys that are your age. Andthereare a lot of guys that you hang out with on thedaily basis.
We have our own like individualrooms and then we just share a common area. With the kitchen you have a stove microwave andrefrigerator and freezer.
I felt welcome as soon as I got here.I was shown around I was told ohthere's the commissary and if I need gas, I don'thave to drive all the way off post to get somegas. I could just go to the corner.
Your water, your heat, electric is all paid for through the army literally the only thing you must worry aboutpaying for is your cell phone bill cable and your internet.
I brought some decorations from home thepictures are my friends my family. the Jersey it wasfrom my Korea rotation we all playedfootball as a true you know.
My relationship myroommate; I was great! We have a lot of similarinterests we like the same type of shows you like the same kind of music he thinks he cancook better than me but that's to be determined.
The on-base community is great coming into themilitary I've met so many people from all over the country
It's definitely easy to socialize you knowin the barracks because you live with the people you work with so I made really close friends.
Inside the Air Force Enlisted Dorms
Length :29
Inside the Air Force Enlisted Dorms
Junior Airmen who are single, enlisted and without dependents live in dormitories on base. Similar to apartment complexes, these dorms feature multiple amenities and give service members a chance to relax and connect when off duty.
These are the enlisted dorms for unmarried Airmen without dependents.
There's a game room, a theater room. We have free WiFi,and we have free laundry rooms.
Once you graduate from tech school, the Air Force requires you to live in the dorms as a first-term Airman.
It kind of prepares them to get oriented to the job.
When you first get here, your job is your main priority.
Not only are your living quarters free, your food is free,but the bond you get with people is priceless.
Family Housing
Senior service members, those who are married, or those who have physical custody of dependents can select from a variety of apartments and single-family homes. Like most family-oriented dwellings across the nation, these units can include multiple bedrooms and bathrooms, with garages and yards as well.
On-Base Family Housing
Hear from a young military family about their experience living on base and how they value family-friendly conveniences, comfortable amenities and a social neighborhood within their welcoming community.
Transcription
My name is Tasha Anna Williams and I'm a specialist in the US Army. My name is Dante Williams and I'm also a specialist in the US Army. We've been together for almost seven years and we've been here for about three years now.
There are plenty of housing options on base for families. We got the option of choosing between three different communities. We chose to stay in Liberty woods here and Fort Stewart.
We currently live in a four-bedroom townhome. It has a living room, the kitchen area, in the dining area upstairs we have four bedrooms with our kids room our master bedroom. The guest bedroom and Dante's mancave. So we have quite a bit of space that we can just be comfortable. In living on base is important to me because I can get to work in like five minutes from the commissary, is right there, so everything that we need is here on base.
Quite often we have barbecues or we grill out and we either do it at the neighbor's house or our House. And they just bring their kids over and their families over and we just you know relax and watch the game and eat some barbecue. The things that I enjoy for the kids and there's a playground at every spot we can go to either the one down the street or take them to everyone around the corner and so it's a variety of things that the kids can do. My kids are really happy here, they love playing in the backyard and every time they see somebody out the window they're like mommy my friends playing outside when I see my children happy it makes me happy.
On-Base Family Housing
Length 1:41 On-Base Family Housing Hear from a young military family about their experience living on base and how they value family-friendly conveniences, comfortable amenities and a social neighborhood within their welcoming community.
My name is Tasha Anna Williams and I'm a specialist in the US Army. My name is Dante Williams and I'm also a specialist in the US Army. We've been together for almost seven years and we've been here for about three years now.
There are plenty of housing options on base for families. We got the option of choosing between three different communities. We chose to stay in Liberty woods here and Fort Stewart.
We currently live in a four-bedroom townhome. It has a living room, the kitchen area, in the dining area upstairs we have four bedrooms with our kids room our master bedroom. The guest bedroom and Dante's mancave. So we have quite a bit of space that we can just be comfortable. In living on base is important to me because I can get to work in like five minutes from the commissary, is right there, so everything that we need is here on base.
Quite often we have barbecues or we grill out and we either do it at the neighbor's house or our House. And they just bring their kids over and their families over and we just you know relax and watch the game and eat some barbecue. The things that I enjoy for the kids and there's a playground at every spot we can go to either the one down the street or take them to everyone around the corner and so it's a variety of things that the kids can do. My kids are really happy here, they love playing in the backyard and every time they see somebody out the window they're like mommy my friends playing outside when I see my children happy it makes me happy.
Living off Base
Service members who qualify to live off base are given a Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) as part of their compensation. BAH is a monthly sum of money that takes into account the area’s cost of living as well as a service member’s pay grade and number of dependents.
For example, if a service member is stationed in an expensive urban area, they’ll receive more than a service member living in a rural area where the cost of living is less expensive. Similarly, a service member who is married with children would receive more than a single service member.
Ultimately, BAH ensures that everyone gets the allowance they need to cover their living situation.
Living Quarters at Sea
While not exactly “on base,” service members (especially in the Navy and Coast Guard) may be assigned to vessels like ships or submarines for extended durations of time. Here, sufficient living spaces include berthing (sleeping) areas with storage, an assigned rack for sleeping, and crew lounges to relax while watching TV or playing games.
Housing for National Guard & Reserve
While active-duty members join the Military on a full-time basis, National Guard and Reserve members serve in a part-time capacity and live in housing within their civilian communities. During drill training, which occurs one weekend per month, with a two-week commitment per year, these service members are provided housing.
Guard members and reservists who are entitled to a housing allowance will receive a special BAH any time they’re on active duty for fewer than 30 days. If they are on active duty for 30 days or more, they’ll receive the full housing allowance rate (the same as active duty).
Pet Ownership
In general, service members are allowed to have pets such as dogs, cats, fish and other common companions on base. In fact, many installations often have amenities to ensure our animal friends stay happy and healthy — like veterinary clinics, dog parks and even boarding facilities.
However, it is important to note that certain pet species and breeds are forbidden, and animals that are permitted are restricted to apartment complexes and single-family housing, as pet ownership in barracks and dorms is not allowed.
Speak with a recruiter if you have any specific questions about pet ownership, as guidelines can vary from base to base.
Pet Ownership
It’s a common misconception that having a pet in the Military isn’t allowed. This couldn’t be further from the truth. This video explores how many military posts provide helpful services for service members and their pets.
Transcription
I got shiner after I had already joined the military. I got him about six years ago and I've been in the military for eight years now. Things like to do with shiner on basis I like to take him over to the dog park. Let him run around throw the ball for Him. I'll take him you know to the pond sometimes he likes riding in the back of the truck. You have to check with your specific housing to see which pets are allowed for example they don't allow pets in the barracks. But currently in the apartment complexes, I believe it's just dogs and cats. I do feel fortunate to have amenities on post they have not only a vet but also a boarding facility on post everybody that works there is super nice and just makes the whole process a lot easier. I think people think that you can't have a pet in the military because people think when they go into the military they just are always deployed or never home but that's not true just like having a pet as a civilian. It's important to me that shiner has a good life because he keeps me centered and happy he brightens my day when I get home.
Pet Ownership
Length 1:15 Pet Ownership It’s a common misconception that having a pet in the Military isn’t allowed. This couldn’t be further from the truth. This video explores how many military posts provide helpful services for service members and their pets.
I got shiner after I had already joined the military. I got him about six years ago and I've been in the military for eight years now. Things like to do with shiner on basis I like to take him over to the dog park. Let him run around throw the ball for Him. I'll take him you know to the pond sometimes he likes riding in the back of the truck. You have to check with your specific housing to see which pets are allowed for example they don't allow pets in the barracks. But currently in the apartment complexes, I believe it's just dogs and cats. I do feel fortunate to have amenities on post they have not only a vet but also a boarding facility on post everybody that works there is super nice and just makes the whole process a lot easier. I think people think that you can't have a pet in the military because people think when they go into the military they just are always deployed or never home but that's not true just like having a pet as a civilian. It's important to me that shiner has a good life because he keeps me centered and happy he brightens my day when I get home.
Hosting Visitors
Service members are typically allowed to have visitors on base once they complete Basic Training. Although guests are not allowed to stay overnight in the barracks, many large installations offer convenient on-base hotel accommodations.
Please note that military bases are secure installations, so proper ID and an invitation/sponsorship from a military or DoD member is required for guests. While on base, visitors are expected to follow the same rules as all base residents.
More in Life on Base
- Amenities
- Things to Do
