First-term Airmen: Live in the dorms or move downtown? Published July 25, 2013 By Senior Airman Katrina Heikkinen 341st Missile Wing Public Affairs MALMSTROM AIR FORCE BASE, Mont. -- Occupancy rates in the Malmstrom Dormitory Complex are 100 percent, according to Master Sgt. Jane Pullo, 341st Civil Engineer Squadron unaccompanied housing superintendent, and for some Airmen, that means time to move out of their dorm room and live downtown. But when it comes to ghosting, the basic allowance for housing waiting list and out-processing, the decision can be difficult and confusing, especially for an Airman who's never had to pay living bills. The Consolidated Dormitory Management Office works to help Airmen moving in and out of the dormitory to ensure the process is as smooth as possible. Priority numbers Airmen residing in the dormitory complex all fall under priority one through four, according to Pullo. · Priority four - Married Airmen · Priority three - E-4 with more than three years of service · Priority two - E-1 through E-3 and E-4 with less than three YoS · Priority one - Personnel out-processing within six days or required by their first sergeant [to live in dormitory] Although the dormitory complex focuses on housing mainly priority one and two Airmen, priority three and four Airmen have been allowed to live in the dorms due to low occupancy rates, until now. "Priority three and four Airmen who have been living in the dorms have 30 days from their date of termination notice to move out of the dorms," Pullo said. "Airmen planning on getting married have the option - with their commander is approval - to move out of the dorms and receive BAH 60 days prior to their marriage date. They will have to provide proof of marriage to CDMO personnel within 30 days of marriage." BAH waiting list and ghosting Although the BAH waiting list for first-term Airmen has always been available, with the low occupancy rates within the past 18 months, it hasn't been used, according to Pullo. Typically, only E-4s with more than three YoS or married Airmen can receive BAH. However, if the dormitory complex maintains 100 percent occupancy rates following priority three and four's departure, priority two Airmen may opt to move off base with the possibility of earning BAH. BAH recipients will be determined by a building-by-building occupancy basis and date of rank. "The reason we do BAH on a building basis and not base wide, is because we need to maintain unit integrity," Pullo said. "If five more security forces members come [to Malmstrom] and there isn't any room in the security forces buildings, then I'll select Airmen with the earliest date of rank on the BAH waiting list." Airmen wishing to move out of the dorms may submit a ghosting letter. If approved by their first sergeant or commander, these Airmen will not receive BAH but may move out. Airmen can remain on the BAH waiting list while ghosting. "It is always the individuals' responsibility to come to CDMO at their three-year point and start the paperwork to receive their BAH," she said. For more information, call the CDMO office at 731-4239.