I have received many emails asking if the Army spouse will have to move out of on post housing if her soldier deploys. The simple answer is no! The housing is provided for the soldier AND his family. In fact, with a few rare exceptions, he can’t get housing on post unless he has a family.

When a soldier deploys, some Army wives or husbands decide it is best to move back home to be close to family and friends. This tends to be particularly true for those with young children or with one on the way. It is a personal decision and one that should be thought about long and hard.

I will also give you the official answer as far as BAH and deployment. You will continue to receive BAH at the rate where your soldier is stationed regardless of where you live during a deployment. So if your soldier is stationed in California and you move home to small town USA, you probably just made out. If the reverse is true, you could be in for a world of hurt financially.

There have been instances where spouses have received BAH according to where they moved. But those instances are very rare and the decision is made by the soldier’s command. It would have to be in extreme circumstances for this to be granted. Also, the military will generally not pay to move you back home. So the expense of the move will fall on your shoulders.

Keep in mind as well that if you are living on post and move back home during deployment, you will have to be put on the waiting list again for housing when you move back. And in all likelihood, your name will be going on the list with hundreds of others as the unit begins redeployment. Some posts will allow you to maintain your on post housing if you move home during a deployment as long as you have made arrangements to have someone care for your lawn and check on the house. The rules regarding this vary greatly by post so be sure to check with your housing office.

I have always stayed where we were living when my husband deployed. My family always told me I could come home and live with them and I could likely save a great deal of money. But it is important to me to be around where he is stationed, to have access to the FRG and to be in our house, even if he isn’t in it at the moment.

Make sure you think through all of the possible scenarios before you make your decision. The last thing you need is additional stress during the deployment. 

RELATED LINKS:

Dealing With The Emotional Roller Coaster of Deployment  

Deployments can take a toll on the Army family both physically and emotionally. Find out what to expect during the deployment cycle. 

Staying Connected During a Deployment

It can be difficult to feel connected to your soldier when he's so far away. Use these tips to stay connected. 

Scrapbooking - A Great Way to Stay Busy

Stay busy and enjoy time with friends by scrapbooking. Best of all, it is a readymade gift for your soldier when he returns home. 

Shop Now!

**Hundreds of t-shirt and gift designs available for the entire Army Family - Army Wives, Army Moms & Dads, Army Kids, Army Fiancées, Army Girlfriends & More!**

Military Name Bracelets

All rights reserved. Copyright Simply Creative, Inc.