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Revamp BAH for all

Having read quite a bit lately in regard to the supposed unfairness of Basic Allowance for Housing, it seems that many single soldiers are complaining that they do not get paid enough to maintain a household of their own. While this is possible, I have to ask, who is forcing them to live off-post?

Rarely do I see a soldier under the rank of staff sergeant forced to live outside the barracks. If the military wishes to pay these soldiers more money for BAH, so be it. However, if they choose to do so, they also should revamp the whole system, not just for single soldiers.

As a married soldier with two children, I am authorized a three-bedroom house on any military installation where I am stationed. However, this seems to apply only to post housing, since to rent a three-bedroom house off-post (which is a must more frequently) costs me close to $300 out of my own pocket to pay the utilities and an extra $75-$100 a month in rent.

If we’re seriously worried about single soldiers not being paid enough to maintain a proper household, then what about us married soldiers who aren’t paid fairly either?

Sgt. David A. Bowman

Fort Campbell, Ky.

I have just read the report on single soldiers’ BAH increasing and it had me going [“Fair play,” April 21].

I understand people would like more money, but if there is an increase, then married soldiers’ BAH should also increase. The statements that the people gave of why they deserve it or need it seem more like a personal budget problem. The last article [“Single doesn’t mean fewer expenses”] concluded with the quote, “They think that because we’re single, we don’t have the same expenses as married people.”

Are you serious? How is a single soldier paying the same as a married soldier? I have a wife and two kids. I have to pay for myself, my wife and my two kids. So all together, I am paying for four people. Simple math will tell you the expenses aren’t comparable.

Now, if I choose to get a four-bedroom house, and it is outside my budget, that is my choice. So if single soldiers’ BAH increases, then so should married soldiers’ BAH. Come on people — do the math.

Spc. Allen Reese

Fort Stewart, Ga.