Expert: Cynthia Bedell - 12/16/2008

Question
hello, I have been in the army reserves for about 9 months and thinking about going active. I have a wife and a dog,and I am just wondering how the housing works in my predicament.It would be real helpful if you can give me some advice and information on this subject. thank you

Answer
Dear Joe --

If you switched from reserve to active, your housing benefits depends on your unit and location, and your deployment status.

If you go active, and are deployed, your family could remain where they are, and you would receive an allowance for housing based on your unit's normal location.

If you join an active duty unit that is not deployed, the Army would move you and your family to your new duty station.  There you would either be assigned family housing, or granted a housing allowance to live off-post.

You are allowed to have pets in most military family housing.  However you must ensure the pets behave, and are not a hazard or threat to others living on base.  If you, your spouse, your kids or your pets disobey installation rules, you can be denied family housing and forced to live off base at your own expense.

Good luck to you.  Please write back, if you have other questions.