Living on a military installation for the first time can be a great opportunity to connect with other service members and military families and become part of a global service-oriented community. Installation living enables service members to be close to work and allows families to save money on rent and utilities.
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. 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.
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.
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.
Advantages of installation living for service members and families
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. If you’re considering living on an installation or have moved to one for the first time, here are some programs and resources you’ll want to explore.
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