Military Housing and Schools for Kids

Trauma Columnist · Jan 4, 2005

I was active duty Navy when I met and married my Air Force husband in 1980. I got out when our oldest was 4 months old since we couldn't be stationed together. We have been stationed in Japan, Spain, Korea, Alaska, Las Vegas, Indianapolis. For the most part - there is a lot of good Air Force housing. The support system is there for the spouses of active duty personnel, but in reality today most spouses work full-time. Have you checked into the pay situation? Here's the DFAS web site: An O-1 with less than 2 years service only makes $2300/month. At least in my area of the country (midwest) - that isn't enough to live on. Of course, the recruiters will tell you that you get your housing paid for - which you do if you are fortunate to have housing readily available. Otherwise, you are "on the economy." I don't mean to paint a bleak picture - my hubby did over 23 years in the Air Force, but for most of that time, we would have qualified for food stamps and welfare if I wasn't working and we only had two kids!

live4today, RN · Jan 4, 2005

Housing can take a day to over a year....depends on the on base housing availability at the time of your arrival, and whether or not the service member is coming from an overseas tour of duty. Those service members tend to be placed at the top of the housing list.

I've waited six months to a year for on base housing for a two or three bedroom.

The Dodd school system varies from post to post depending on the teachers and how good they are at teaching. :rolleyes: Some are good, some are not so good.

bobnurse · Jan 4, 2005

Im not completely sure about the air force or navy, but i would assume its the same, but when you live off base, you get quarters allowance, plus VHA to assist with the economy....For example.....I was stationed at fort ord california....I lived off base due to no housing available. Our apartment bill was $970.00, not counting utilities. Thats a lot for a PFC making around $1500 a month before taxes. But you add the $370.00 for Quarters, plus the $870.00 for VHA, it all came out...

bobnurse · Jan 4, 2005

i was in the army.......didnt mention that

infinity9092 · Feb 14, 2005

I would like to know how difficult it is to get on base housing for a family of seven. Based on rules (AF) we will need a four bedroom house. I will be a O-1 AFnurse and attend COT in July. My husband will stay at home and be MR. MOM. For those that are married and have children, what support do they have for husbands in the AF. Also my kids are currently in a Catholic school and I'm not sure if the schools for the military kids are good or not and if it would be good for the kids to be around others like them (military families-Kids) to help adjust to a new life. I four kids in school and a newborn baby. I'm sure their are other military kids in the local close Catholic schools to. I could use some advise on this! Thanks!

I think she is giving you some bad information. In the 80 to the early 90s money was super tight with the military but now it has gotten alot better. Our housing allowance is pretty decent. I am an E6 in CA and my housing allowance is 1734 a month so it depends on where you live. The website for pay is http://www.dfas.mil/. Generally speaking most AF bases will have a few double units which can accommadate the larger family depending on the base you are going to will determine the wait. This is something you need to bring up with your recruiter who can give you the # to the housing office at the base you are being assigned to. This way you can ask the housing office all your questions and maybe they can help clear up some of your concerns.