MEMORANDUM FOR ASSISTANT SECRETARY OF THE ARMY (MANPOWER & RESERVE AFFAIRS), WASHINGTON, D.C. 20310
THRU: [Your Battalion Commander's Name and Rank], [Your Battalion]
THRU: [Your Brigade Commander's Name and Rank], [Your Brigade]
SUBJECT: Exception to Policy (ETP) Request for Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) at Home of Record (HOR)
PURPOSE: I respectfully request an exception to policy to receive Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) at my Home of Record (HOR) located in Phoenix, AZ (ZIP code 85044), instead of my assigned Permanent Duty Station (PDS) at Fort Knox, KY (ZIP code 40121), for the duration of my Active Duty for Operational Support (ADOS) tour.
BACKGROUND:
a. I am a Soldier in the [Your State] Army National Guard, currently serving on ADOS orders number [Enter Your Order Number] from [Start Date] to [End Date].
b. While these orders are designated as a Permanent Change of Station (PCS), my circumstances as a reserve component Soldier are unique. My permanent and primary residence, for which I am financially responsible, is located at [Your Full Address in Phoenix, AZ 85044]. My family resides at this location, and I have no intention of permanently relocating them for this temporary tour of duty.
c. Per my orders, I am assigned to [Your Unit at Fort Knox] at Fort Knox, KY. The standard policy under a PCS directs that my BAH be based on the PDS location.
JUSTIFICATION:
a. The temporary nature of this ADOS assignment, despite its PCS designation, does not reflect a true permanent change of station as experienced by active component Soldiers. My life, property, and family obligations are firmly established in Phoenix, AZ.
b. Receiving BAH at the Fort Knox rate would cause significant financial hardship. The rate for my PDS is insufficient to cover my mortgage/lease obligations for my primary residence in Phoenix while also securing temporary housing near my place of duty.
c. My situation is unique to a reserve component Soldier mobilized for a specific mission and duration. Granting this exception would align my housing allowance with my actual housing costs and prevent undue financial strain on my family and me during this period of service.
CONCLUSION: I request your approval for an exception to policy authorizing BAH at my Home of Record rate for ZIP code 85044. Your favorable consideration of this request is greatly appreciated.
The point of contact for this memorandum is the undersigned at [Your Phone Number] or [Your Email Address].
[Your Full Name]
[Your Rank], ARNG
[Your Unit]
