All branches of military services have revamped programs to ensure that families are provided with a variety of excellent support for children, spouses and other dependents. Here is a list of the many benefits provided to families who live on military bases.
- Taxi services
- Conveniently located ATM machines
- Child and youth programs
- Medical, dental and veterinary clinics
- Movie theaters
- Commissary, Exchange, fast food and gas station services
- Chaplain offices that offer a variety of personal assistance/counseling in faith and relationship in quite a few denominations
- Teenage youth centers with after school homework help and other activities
- Art and vehicle repair centers
- Club dining, dancing and events
The list is long and includes more than can be mentioned in a few words. Some benefits that are unique and extraordinary include the Red Cross to assist in emergencies to contact families. Emergency relief loans for those in financial distress. College education centers as well as up to 75% tuition assistance for dependents and/or scholarships.
Families that have the opportunity to live on base also enjoy rent free dorms/barracks, apartments, townhouses or houses (depending on rank and marital status), free electricity and water utilities. General exterior upkeep is usually done by all occupants on a fair rotating schedule. The maintenance usually covers grass cutting, weed removal, laundry room up keep and stairwell order and cleanliness. These incredible benefits are covered by military regulations whether a person is stationed within the United States or overseas. Single service members are authorized to live in barracks/dorms. Married service members of enlisted rank often are compensated in their pay to cover their rent or mortgage. Officers and higher ranking members normally are authorized to live on post at a decent distance from dorms/barracks to avoid fraternization on personal time.
Living on base is a great privilege that is earned by the service member for themselves and family members; however it can be taken away by violating the rules that come along with it. Living on base is a great convenience as everything in near and secure from security threats, children and service members can learn and be safe at work. However, service members are held financially responsible for any damages made to government housing and must perform general maintenance of the area according to governing regulations and family members need to act appropriately. Any violation of the regulation is cause for a variety of military punishments that the service member suffer in order to ensure respect for government property and privileged use of it.