Expert: Aaron Shifferly - 6/14/2009

Question
Hi, my name is Wilma.

I feel very strange asking questions in this matter because I have no real military knowledge and am not sure how to address certain terms, but I guess that's why I am asking you!
My boyfriend is considering joining the army, and I've attempted research on E1 (as they've called them)living situations. The information states that most of E6 ranks and below are required on-base housing, with the exception of E6 under special circumstances. I couldn't help but notice that my boyfriend wouldn't be anywhere near that rank, so what I am asking is are there any ways we could live together off-base (as I assume we could not be together on-base, seeing as we are not legally bound)?

This information is something I'm having difficulty finding due to specific circumstances. Your personal answer will be dearly prized. Thank you so much.

Answer
Your research has you pointed in the right direction.  Your boyfriend will be assigned a room in the single Soldiers' barracks until he reaches E6 (E5 in some cases) or gets married.  You can move wherever you like since we have no authority over you.  He could live with you in the sense that if you lived near base and he stayed there most commands would not really say anything. The difference would be that since he's not authorized to live off post he would do so at his own expense rather than the government giving him a housing allowance. They may also not give him a food allowance and give him a meal card.. so he wouldn't have many of the entitlements that a normal Soldier living off base would get. This is only applicable to living situations here in the US since if he's posted overseas you would have additional issues in joining him.  Please feel free to follow up if you want more information.