The Air Force’s top enlisted service member is taking issue with a congressional plan to change the way military housing allowance is doled out.
But the criticism comes as some of the lowest numbers of enlisted military service members are reporting financial difficulties.
The point of contention is a provision in the Senate version of the 2017 defense authorization bill. The provision changes Basic Allowance for Housing so that it only reimburses service members for their actual expenses instead of paying them a flat monthly payment.
“From my discussions with airmen around the world, I find that this proposal is having a significant negative impact on airmen’s morale and their sense of support from their elected officials,” a June 14 letter to Senate Armed Services Committee Chairman John McCain (R-Ariz.) signed by Air Force Chief Master Sgt. James Cody said. “Airmen are concerned about the potential financial hardships as some families could lose up to $50,000 a year in compensation. Additionally, this proposal threatens our wingman culture as it provides disincentives for shared living arrangements, thereby removing a critical support structure that contributes to the resiliency of the force.”
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More base housing should be provided so that service members wouldn't have to go off-base to live.
ReplyDeleteThat's too simple 846.
ReplyDeleteIn Germany, all the landlords know what the housing allowance is. So every property an American is considering renting is that cost. It's kind of funny, since some properties are obviously much nicer than others.
ReplyDelete