Living on a military installation for the first time comes with a learning curve, but once you get the hang of it, it can be a supportive and convenient place to live. It also offers the opportunity to become part of a global service-oriented community. Here’s a clear, practical breakdown of what to know.
Living in unaccompanied housing, or barracks, as a single service member
During basic training and initial job training, all enlisted service members are required to live in the barracks. When service members move to their permanent duty station, only single members are required to live in barracks.
Every service branch differs on the rank required to live in unaccompanied housing:
- Army and Marine Corps require single service members with paygrades E-5 and below to live in the barracks.
- Navy requires single service members with paygrades E-4 and below to live in the barracks.
- Air Force requires single service members with paygrades E-4 and below and with less than three years of service to live in the barracks, or dorms as they like to call them.
- Coast Guard requires single Coast Guardsmen in with paygrades E-4 and below to live in unaccompanied personnel housing or unaccompanied personnel leased housing.
What to expect from barracks living
While there are high expectations for cleanliness and some restrictions, barracks living can be similar to apartment or dorm living, allowing service members quiet space to decompress, hang out with others, play video games and more.
Each installation has its own standards, which may include:
- Weekly room inspections
- Quiet hours
- Guest rules about visitor sign-in, visiting hours, etc.
- Cleanliness and minor maintenance standards
Ways to get connected on your installation
Be sure to attend your unit orientation to learn about installation resources and perks. Loneliness is common at first, so get involved through:
- Morale, welfare and recreation events
- Intramural sports
- Installation gyms and recreation centers
- Chapel programs
As you climb the ranks, your living situation will change over time. After living in the barracks, you will have the option to live in military housing on base, a military community off base, or you can choose to make your own living arrangements off base.
To learn more about your new installation and the housing accommodations, go to MilitaryINSTALLATIONS and click on your installation.
The Relocation Assistance Program or housing office can help you sort through your options if you’re single and not required to live on base.
Living on the installation with your family
Most installations have long waitlists with specific assignment categories based on rank, number of dependents and number of bedrooms you’re eligible for. Get on the waitlist as soon as possible, even if you’re not certain whether you want to live on the installation.
Understand housing rules
Installation housing is stricter than civilian rentals. Look into your installation’s
- Pet policies, such as restrictions on breed and weight
- Home inspections
- Yard upkeep requirements
- Parking rules
- Holiday decoration rules
Installation programs and resources
A big advantage to living on an installation is convenience. Everything from child care and medical treatment to libraries, playgrounds, recreational facilities and grocery shopping — are all available close to home. Here are some programs and resources you’ll want to explore.
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