FORT IRWIN’s FIRST SERGEANTS BARRACKS PROGRAM

Residents Guide
Commander's and First Sergeant's Guide (F.L.A.G.)

What is the First Sergeants Barracks Program?

First Sergeants Barracks Program (FSBP) is part of the Army plan to improve the quality of life for Single Soldiers, and to standardize the management of barracks Army wide. It takes the responsibility of maintaining daily operations away from assigned units, and puts it on garrison staff in a style similar to property and apartment management offices. Goals of this program include improving barracks utilization, managing vacant barracks space during deployment, reducing maintenance response time, decreasing building damages and extending the life of the facilities. This improves the quality of life for Soldiers and is a proven cost saver for the Army by consciously taking better care of the barracks and reducing payments for basic allowance for housing to Single Soldiers.

What has the Army done?

In January 2005, the Secretary of the Army directed the management of barracks and a focused sustainment program at an estimated cost of $260 million per year. The Army Installation Management Command (IMCOM) responded with direction to all installations to adopt a FSBP program. IMCOM centrally funds startup costs and garrisons fund annual operating costs. Garrisons are given flexibility to develop their FSBP organizations based on their scope and resources, and on the general guidance on organization and staffing levels provided in the IMCOM guidance. This is being implemented across the Army from 2008 through 2011.

Why is this important to the Army?

FSBP is built upon Army leader’s full involvement in the well-being of junior enlisted Soldiers living in the barracks. It will enhance the commander’s ability to concentrate on his primary organizational missions, while still maintaining influence in the welfare of junior enlisted Soldiers. Taking care of Soldiers is a readiness issue. Installations are communities where the Army lives, trains, and works, mobilizes and deploys. The quality and character of these installations is the keystone to caring for the Army’s most precious resource. The underlying premise is that “our Soldiers living on our installations deserve the same quality of life afforded the society they have pledged to defend.”

Single Soldiers Housing Frequently Asked Questions:

Who can I contact for information about my living quarters?

The Single Soldier Housing office (SSHO)

Location: Building 312 E Ave Fort Irwin, Ca, 92310

Click here and select your installation for floor plans and barracks pictures

Is a Soldier married to a Soldier considered a geographical bachelor?

No, a Soldier who has a civilian spouse who is not located with the service member is considered a geographical bachelor. Since both are Soldiers, neither can be a dependent of the other Soldier.

Can a Soldier married to a Soldier reside off post?

Soldier married to Soldier in the ranks of PVT-SGT may reside off post if both Soldiers are stationed at the same installation. Unaccompanied Soldiers married to Soldiers on separate tours will be assigned to permanent party housing on the same basis as unmarried personnel. Soldiers stationed at Fort Irwin married to a Soldier stationed elsewhere may be issued a CNA within 60 days before spouse’s arrival and reside off-post. It is important to note that when a Soldier married to another Soldier without family members resides off post and one of the Soldiers departs on a separate tour, the other Soldier will not be required to move into the barracks. Single Soldiers in the ranks of SSG and above are authorized to reside off-post without a CNA as there are no SBEQs/BOQs at Fort Riley and there is no mandatory assignment to SBEQ's/BOQs as there are for Barracks.

If I am a Single Soldier in the rank of PVT-SGT and own my home in the vicinity of Fort Irwin, can I draw BAH and reside off post?

There are instances where this is possible. When a Soldier has purchased a home near the installation prior to notification of assignment to that installation the Soldier is allowed to occupy that home and draw BAH without dependent rate. Another is when a Soldier has been awarded the home out of a divorce settlement which was purchased during the marriage (this requires an ETP for approval). A CNA issued by the UPH (PP) Office is required in both cases to authorize BAH without dependent. Before making any arrangements off-post, you should report to the UPH (PP) Office and if you meet criteria a CNA will be issued.

How much space is a single Soldier authorized?

Soldiers in the ranks of PVT-SPC (except E1 recruits and trainees) are authorized a minimum of 90 SF of net living area. Soldiers having the rank of SGT are authorized 135 SF of net living area, private room, and a bath shared with not more than one other? SF of living space is determined on the construction criteria of the barracks they reside. If it is an older barracks when 90 SF was the criteria, they are authorized the minimum, 90 SF. If they reside in newer constructed barracks, they have more SF of living space.

Does having household goods (HHG) which will not fit into the barracks qualify a Soldier to reside off post?

No. A Soldiers’ entitlement is to have HHG stored at Government expense while residing in the barracks. You may contact the SSHO Office to request procedures or contact Fort Irwin’s Transportation Office.

All new Soldiers should know and read about the Service Members relief Act

http://www.hud.gov/offices/cpd/about/hudvet/library/scra.cfm