I’m an E-2 in the Marine Corps currently in MOS school. Planning to move off base with my girlfriend but without BAH. We’re not rushing marriage for the benefits. Has anyone done this? Do I need command approval, and would I still keep a barracks room? Just trying to understand the process.
Hey! Yeah, you’ll probably need approval from your chain of command. I know some guys who’ve done it, but they still had to keep a barracks room.
Arden said:
Hey! Yeah, you’ll probably need approval from your chain of command. I know some guys who’ve done it, but they still had to keep a barracks room.
Really? So even if you’re off-base, you still have to keep a room in the barracks?
@Colby
Yep, usually they make you keep the room and you’ll have to show up for field days or whatever’s mandatory.
Arden said:
Hey! Yeah, you’ll probably need approval from your chain of command. I know some guys who’ve done it, but they still had to keep a barracks room.
It’s a UCMJ thing. They see it as an order you gotta follow unless you get official permission to live off-base.
I’ve heard it depends on where you’re stationed. Some places might be more lenient if you have a good reason. But yeah, get it in writing from command.
Leith said:
I’ve heard it depends on where you’re stationed. Some places might be more lenient if you have a good reason. But yeah, get it in writing from command.
Good call on the writing part. Definitely want proof you’re allowed, in case they come back asking questions.
Leith said:
I’ve heard it depends on where you’re stationed. Some places might be more lenient if you have a good reason. But yeah, get it in writing from command.
Yeah, that makes sense. I’d rather not risk anything without clear approval.
Look up the Marine Corps Order for BEQ requirements. I think Chapter 10 has the info on E5 and below being required to stay on base unless you’re approved to live off.
Tatum said:
Look up the Marine Corps Order for BEQ requirements. I think Chapter 10 has the info on E5 and below being required to stay on base unless you’re approved to live off.
Oh cool, thanks! Didn’t know it was in an official doc.
Tatum said:
Look up the Marine Corps Order for BEQ requirements. I think Chapter 10 has the info on E5 and below being required to stay on base unless you’re approved to live off.
Chapter 10 has the details? Good to know, I’ll check it out too. 
From what I know, it’s not super common, but it’s possible. Just be prepared to still do all barracks stuff even if you’re living with your girlfriend.
Jack said:
From what I know, it’s not super common, but it’s possible. Just be prepared to still do all barracks stuff even if you’re living with your girlfriend.
Yeah, that’s what I was worried about. Thanks for the heads-up!
Make sure you fill out all the forms! They’ll want everything on paper if you’re allowed to live off-base.
Ashton said:
Make sure you fill out all the forms! They’ll want everything on paper if you’re allowed to live off-base.
Lol, definitely don’t want any loose ends with paperwork.