Commander’s message on 2015 BAH rate changes

  • Published
  • By Brig. Gen. Glen VanHerck
  • 509th Bomb Wing commander
WHITEMAN AIR FORCE BASE, Mo. --  In the near future, it is likely that we are going to see changes to our Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) that will impact our military families. These changes will affect members living off-base as well as those in privatized housing. 

I don't like surprises when it comes to my family's home and finances and I bet you don't either, so here is what I know right now.

Congress recently voted to trim BAH levels across the Department of Defense. Beginning this year, BAH rates are only designed to cover 99 percent of our housing costs and no longer include renter's insurance. These rate changes will ultimately affect all military members. A secondary effect of this change is the requirement that privatized housing provide renter's insurance for on-base housing residents will be eliminated. 

We assume - consistent with past precedent - that members' BAH rates will be grandfathered and changes will only affect newly assigned Airmen. However, the Air Force has not finalized their implementation of these Congressional changes and we have not received any formal feedback on grandfathering BAH rates or renter's insurance.   

What that means is that under the proposed Air Force policy, base housing residents may want to consider purchasing their own renter's insurance, similar to off-base renters, if they personally identify a need for this protection. The Army has already implemented a similar policy for their privatized housing. I believe over the coming days/weeks our Air Force will follow suit in order to comply with Congressional directives.   
 
Ultimately, since the new BAH rates are only designed to cover 99 percent of our housing costs, residents of base housing could have to pay monthly rent that is higher than their BAH. If this comes to fruition, this 1 percent difference would mean base housing residents would be responsible for an additional $6.27 to $17.04 in rent per month depending on their grade and dependent status. 

This is no different than off-base residents whose rent is not tied to their BAH. The decision on whether to live on-base or off-base remains a family decision that is dependent on many factors such as proximity, commute, amenities and finances. 
For those of us already assigned to Whiteman AFB, we expect that BAH rates will be grandfathered.  Again, however, the Air Force implementation of this policy has not been finalized. Although I do not like this uncertainty any more than you, all I can promise is that I will pass any information along ASAP.    

I understand that these new policies may cause some hardship to some members of our military family.  Again, this is a policy forged in Congress and manifested in this year's Defense budget. If you do have concerns about this policy, I suggest you reach out to your congressional representatives and let your voice be heard as is your right as an American. That said, remember that our country is currently $18 trillion in debt and our nation (including the military) needs to take steps to address that debt. 

Again, more to follow when more information is available.