What can you tell me about base housing?

Question

Almost anything you can offer will be helpful.

I'm writing a novel. I've never lived on post, but I am a military spouse. We're just not fond of the idea. But I'm writing a novel, and I'm trying to describe what the base housing might look like. So far I'm doing a terrible job. :S

Answer 1

Ok, the first thing you need to consider (and maybe you already have, but to best answer the question *we* need to know these things too) are
a) what rank is the character?
This will determine the size of the house and its location on base

b) does the character have any dependents?
Some COs won't approve BAH for single Marines, thus they live in the barracks; # of dep. also affects the size of your housing

c) which base is your character staying on? this *does* matter!
For example, Quantico has just renovated/bulldozed all its old icky houses (they were terrible) and now the base housing looks great. Other bases haven't seen new houses since the 60s, it really depends.

So with this knowledge, resolve the above questions, and ask again- I know plenty of Marine wives that would love to comment.

Good luck with your novel!

p.s.- You can also (as a spouse) go to the housing office and ask for a showing. They may help you, they may not, but it's worth a shot.

Answer 2

There's such a broad spectrum of answers here it's hard to tell you what you want to know. Housing on each base or post is entirely different. If you know where you're going, I'd suggest looking up housing info on the base website.

The only basics that don't change are this:
Certain ranks live in certain areas, you'll give up your entire housing allowance, you have to keep things looking "neat and tidy" on the outside, follow all base rules at all times and your utilities are included.

Everything else changes from base to base. Some have fabulous housing, others have really crappy housing. But all give you a chance to look at what they offer before you say yes or no.

Good luck.

Answer 3

The condition and style of base housing will vary from base to base and branch of the military. I lived in Air Force base housing at one base, which was brand new and very nice, and would not even step foot in the housing at other Air Force bases.

Answer 4

Depends on where you are going to be stationed? Most base housing is very nice. Don't let the fact that you do have to keep you yard mowed scare you after all you may get "Yard of the Month"

Answer 5

Your house and yard are always to be kept "inspection ready". The base housing office will either be your worst enemy or your best friend depending on how much of a conformist you are.

Answer 6

waaayyy too broad of a question. Housingw aiting lists and styles will vary from base to base and your paygrade and number of dependants.

some are crappy, some are brand new. sometimes you wonl;t even be able to get base housing at all.

Answer 7

It's OK, but I lived there for 3 years and nobody ever inspected us except when we moved in and and out. There are always teenagers for the lawn and house sitting, baby sitting.

and when you need repairs they are there.
and no utility bills either!

Answer 8

Its on base. There are very strict guidelines in regards to cleanliness, lawn upkeep, and behavior and such. Speed limits must be adhered to. But you have everything at your fingertips.

Answer 9

I take it that you never lived on a base?
your profile states that you are a military wife.

Answer 10

YO MAMA IS DA BASE OF MY HOUSE CAUSE SHE SO BIG