Where Soldiers Live in the Army
We provide a strong community that is built to support the needs and lifestyles of our Soldiers and their families.
Housing for Active-Duty Soldiers
Living on or off base and the types of homes available to you depend on your marital status, rank, and location. After you complete your initial training, like Basic Combat Training or the Basic Officer Leadership Course (BOLC), we offer single-Soldier and family-style housing on base. Soldiers are also eligible for a Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) to help cover the majority of your cost of living off base.
For Single Soldiers
As a new and enlisted active-duty Soldier, it’s common to start by living in the barracks with a roommate.
Barracks
Barracks are living spaces in a building that generally house junior, non-married enlisted Soldiers. This is where you'll live after completing Basic Training. Features include:
- Private bedrooms, a common area, shared bathroom, and kitchen
- Similar to a college dorm room
Apartments
In some locations, on-base apartments are available to enlisted Soldiers and commissioned Officers who fulfill certain requirements. Apartment units are much like what you’d expect in civilian life. Features include:
- Larger living spaces and modern amenities
- Close access to the Army community
For Soldiers With Families
We have townhouses and single-family homes with multiple bedrooms, bathrooms, and larger living spaces for active-duty enlisted Soldiers, non-commissioned Officers, and commissioned Officers with families.
Townhouses
Deluxe townhouses are typically reserved for Soldiers with smaller families. Floor plans can vary by location, but you’ll have a comfortable home that fits your family. Features include:
- Larger closets, modern amenities, and comfortable living space
- Access to parks and playgrounds for younger children
Single-Family Homes
For Soldiers with larger families, the Army has three- to four-bedroom homes with multiple bathrooms, and more space—both indoors and outdoors. Features include:
- Full kitchen, amenities, and extra living space
- May include private yard, patio, driveway, or garage
Feel at Home Living on Base
Living on base offers more than housing. It provides convenience, savings and discounts, as well as a safe and supportive community for Soldiers and their families to live, work, and have fun.
Community Services
You’ll find the same amenities on an Army base as you would in any town, like fire stations, police stations, hospitals, banks, schools, and more, to support the safety and well-being of our community.
Recreation & Entertainment
From fitness centers, pools, and parks to sports leagues, theaters, and restaurants, there are a variety of activities available to all ages and interests.
Soldier Support
We have a variety of resources to help you and your family adjust to Army life or transition to the civilian world, including financial, legal, and relocation assistance, as well as counseling, volunteering, and military teen programs.
Army Shopping
With on-base grocery stores, shopping centers, salons, and more, you’ll have access to high-quality, brand-named clothing, products, groceries, and services at lower prices than what you’re used to.
Dining Facilities
You’ll have many food options—from hot meals, salad bars, and deli, pasta and pizza stations at the dining facility (DFAC) to Chinese, taco joints, fast-food, and other restaurants on base.
Places of Worship
The Army and unit chaplains provide spiritual services for Soldiers and families of all religious affiliations, including worship services, retreats, counseling, youth programs, and community gatherings.
Daycare Centers
The Army provides childcare to working Soldiers and families. Daycare centers on base are open Monday through Friday during typical working hours. Some bases also offer in-home and off-base options.
Off-Base Housing
Depending on your situation, you may have the option to live off base. This offers you the ability to choose the type of home, amenities, or neighborhood that fit your specific needs and lifestyle.
- Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH): This is tax-free money you can receive based on your location, rank, and family status to pay for the majority of your living expenses like a mortgage or utilities
- Flexibility for Your Lifestyle: You'll have more options when choosing the home you want while still having access to all the on-base facilities, services, and resources
- Army Community: Even living off base, you'll be part of the larger Army Family, building friendships, attending events, and sharing experiences with fellow Soldiers and families
You Could Live Around the World
The possibility to live on a base across the United States or in another part of the world is one of the most unique and exciting opportunities of being a Soldier.
relocation support
Relocation can affect you and your family in different ways. That’s why we have programs and services in place to make the process as smooth as possible.
Relocation Readiness Program (RRP)
To help with the challenges of relocation, the RRP offers counseling services, pre- and post-move briefings, and orientations which may include tours or details about what to expect.
Army Family Team Building Program
This program supports families adjusting to Army life by helping them develop realistic expectations, understand military terminology, learn about the benefits and services available, and more.
Travel Allowance
When ordered to a new location outside of the Continental United States (CONUS), your travel will be covered. When moving within CONUS, you’ll be given a set amount to help cover you’ll be given a set amount to help cover many of your expenses, like gas, movers, hotels, and more.
Common Questions
Does the Army pay for housing?
As a Soldier living on base, your housing is covered. If you’re living off base, we offer a housing allowance to help pay for living expenses like rent and utilities.
Is it better to live on or off base?
Living on base immerses you in the Army community and provides easy access to work and all the amenities available. You may have less of a say in the type of housing you get, but you’ll have everything you need to make it feel like home.
Living off base may give you more separation between your work and personal life, as well as more options when choosing a home or neighborhood. You may have to commute to work, but you’ll have access to all the amenities, facilities, and programs offered on base.
How long does it take to get housing?
The Army does its best to get everyone into a home that meets their needs as quickly as possible. But timing is important, especially in locations with less housing. Soldiers required to live in the barracks are given housing immediately. Soldiers with families may have to wait for the house they want, which may require temporary housing.
Don’t worry, there’s no obligation if you reach out.
Thanks for reaching out,
Questions you may have right now
- Who will reach out to me?
One of our recruiters will either call or email you to set up time to talk.
- Who will reach out to me?
One of our ROTC recruiters will either call or email you to set up time to talk.
- What will you ask me?
Our conversation will likely begin with some basic qualifying questions, like your age and education level. From there, the conversation will be about getting to know you and your goals for the future. Expect us to ask about your interests and skills so we can suggest Army jobs that might interest you.
- How can I prepare for the conversation?
-
While we'll ask you questions, this is your opportunity to ask some of your own. Here are a couple to get you started:
How can the Army help me pay for college?
Do I have to go to Basic Training?
- How can I prepare for the conversation?
-
While we'll ask you questions, this is your opportunity to ask some of your own. Here are a couple to get you started:
How can the Army help me pay for college?
What is the time commitment for part-time service?
- How can I prepare for the conversation?
-
While we'll ask you questions, this is your opportunity to ask some of your own. Here are a couple to get you started:
Can the Army help me pay for medical school?
Do I have to go to Basic Training?
- How can I prepare for the conversation?
-
While we'll ask you questions, this is your opportunity to ask some of your own. Here are a couple to get you started:
How do I apply for ROTC scholarships?
How do I join ROTC at the college I want to attend?
- Will I be expected to join if I talk to someone?
No. Our goal is to answer your questions and help you decide if the Army is a good option for you. We understand you may not be ready to join yet, or that we may not be the right fit, and that's fine. There's no obligation for talking to us.
KEEP EXPLORING
Explore more topics that may interest you
Thanks for reaching out,
Questions you may have right now
- Who will reach out to me?
One of our recruiters will either call or email you to set up time to talk.
- What will you ask me?
Our conversation will likely begin with some basic qualifying questions, like your age and education level. From there, the conversation will be about getting to know you and your goals for the future. Expect us to ask about your interests and skills so we can suggest Army jobs that might interest you.
- How can I prepare for the conversation?
-
While we'll ask you questions, this is your opportunity to ask some of your own. Here are a couple to get you started:
Do I qualify to join the Army?
Can I join as an Officer?
- How can I prepare for the conversation?
-
While we'll ask you questions, this is your opportunity to ask some of your own. Here are a couple to get you started:
Do I qualify to join the Army?
Can I join as an Officer?
- How can I prepare for the conversation?
-
While we'll ask you questions, this is your opportunity to ask some of your own. Here are a couple to get you started:
What type of health care jobs are available in the Army?
Can the Army help me pay for medical school?
- How can I prepare for the conversation?
-
While we'll ask you questions, this is your opportunity to ask some of your own. Here are a couple to get you started:
Can I join ROTC at my age
Can I join as an Officer?
- Will I be expected to join if I talk to someone?
No. Our goal is to answer your questions and help you decide if the Army is a good option for you. We understand you may not be ready to join yet, or that we may not be the right fit, and that's fine. There's no obligation for talking to us.
KEEP EXPLORING
Explore more topics that may interest you
Thanks for reaching out, .
We admire you for considering such a big career decision at your age. Unfortunately, we're unable to directly reach out to you until you are at least sixteen years old and a junior in high school. However, the following ROTC info is something that may interest you now.
Questions you may have right now
- How old do I have to be to serve in the Army full-time?
To become an enlisted Soldier, you must be 17 years old. To become an Army Officer, you must be at least 18 years old and have a college degree obtained either through ROTC, U.S. Military Academy at West Point, or from another college or university program. Learn more about Army Eligibility Requirements and how to receive Officer training while in college.
- How can the Army help me pay for college?
There are a variety of options available to help you pursue education with flexibility, such as ROTC programs, the GI Bill, and other programs that help pay for college tuition, trade school, technical school, or trainings. View all of the Education Benefits available to you
- How do I apply for ROTC Scholarships?
Army ROTC has several scholarships available for college-bound high school students. Review your options at ROTC Scholarships, or immediately apply by creating an account at my.goarmy.com to get started.
- How old do I have to be to serve in the Army part-time?
To become an enlisted Soldier, you must be 17 years old. To become an Army Officer, you must be at least 18 years old and have a college degree obtained either through ROTC, U.S. Military Academy at West Point, or from another college or university program. Learn more about Army Eligibility Requirements and how to receive Officer training while in college.
- What are the ways to serve part-time?
You can serve part-time as a Soldier in the Army Reserve or the Army National Guard. By serving part-time, you are able to continue your college education or work a civilian job, while earning an extra paycheck and maintaining many of the benefits of military service.
- How can the Army help me pay for college?
There are a variety of options available to help you pursue education with flexibility, such as ROTC programs, the GI Bill, and other programs that help pay for college tuition, trade school, technical school, or trainings. View all of the Education Benefits available to you.
- How do I become a health care provider in the Army?
You can serve part-time or full-time as you train in our health care program. Upon graduation of the program, you will enter the Army health care team as a Commissioned Officer.
- What types of medical careers are available in the Army?
There are numerous health care careers available through the Army Medical Education Deparment (AMEDD), including physicians, dentists, nurses, veterinarians, and many more. View your career options.
- How can the Army help me pay for college?
There are a variety of options available to help you pursue education with flexibility, such as ROTC programs, the GI Bill, and other programs that help pay for college tuition, trade school, technical school, or trainings. View all of the Education Benefits available to you.
- What are the benefits of joining ROTC?
ROTC makes it possible to achieve your ambitions. Become a leader and serve your country in one of the nation's top leadership training programs. You can do this while maintaining your college curriculum and earning up to 100% tuition coverage. Upon graduation, you're guaranteed a career as an Army Officer.
- How do I prepare to join ROTC?
When you're at least 16 years old and at least a high school junior, you can reach out to us, or even talk to your high school counselor. Together, we'll talk options and decide if ROTC is the right path for you.
- Will I become an Officer if I complete ROTC?
Yes. After graduation, you are commissioned as a highly respected second lieutenant in the Army, entrusted with leading other Soldiers.