Wrong Assumptions
“You live on base, oh my gosh…it must be so nice to get free housing!” This drives people nuts! There is nothing more infuriating than talking to someone outside the military, especially in an area of the country where housing is extremely expensive (think California or Virginia) and he or she assumes that because you live in base housing, the government is footing the bill. The term BAH is one others can’t comprehend, though it is truly an easy concept. Basic Allowance for Housing: the money set aside for rent. The best approach to handling the outlandish assumption that as military families we get a free roof over our heads is to kindly educate. “No, essentially we pay rent just as any other person would; except, instead of writing a check each month, it automatically comes out of my spouse’s pay. Consider it an auto bill pay. The government sets a rate based on rank and it’s all taken care of.” It’s a simple way to keep your sanity and explain it without getting too detailed or personal.
Samantha Morrison pointed to another repeat offense. “The assumption that when you have a baby while your husband is deployed or even just in training, that he can just drop the mission to be there for the birth!” the MCAS New River spouse said. Wouldn’t that be nice?
