I now have a new reason why I dislike the Navy. I do have other reasons, but this one so far has topped them all.
The ships based out in Yokosuka have a liberty card program for those who are E-4 and below and demonstrate the ability to qualify in certain areas of the ship. Once qualified, and having spent three months on the ship, you are eligible for a blue card and overnight liberty. Those new to the ship are given a green card and are not allowed overnight liberty. The biggest incentive to getting your blue card is the chance to be given a barracks to live in on base when the ship is in port, known as the Homeport Ashore Program. As long as you remain a blue card and keep a tidy room, you remain in the room until you reach E-5.
I have been in the barracks room for well over a year now and have gotten quite comfortable there. Just recently I was promoted to E-5 and last week I was told that I have to move out of the barracks. Unfortunately I am unable to live out in town because the Navy wont pay for it. I have less than a year left on this ship and don’t qualify for housing allowance. Now I have to mail all of my shit home and move back onto the ship. Did I expect this to happen? I was hoping it wouldn’t come to this because of what I have accomplished with this tour and how much time I have left…8 months. Too bad the Navy does not think the same and are quite alright with throwing a senior sailor back on the ship with almost nothing but clothes, dvds and a laptop. Well, that is what I plan to keep of the items that reside in my closet. And I know what you’re thinking…why don’t you move in with someone? Well the majority of people that have houses out in town are either single and don’t want a roommate or already have roommates. The last thing I want to do is burden someone who is living well by them self.
One of my buddy’s that just checked off the boat not too long ago went through the same thing. I kind of made fun of him for it and now I get my comeuppance. I just hope I don’t turn out as bitter as he did. We’ll see in the not so distant future.
Can’t wait to leave Japan!
Check with your CMC. I don’t think this was the intent of this program. You earned your room. You should be able to keep it.
Not so funny now, is it? The bitterness, however, goes away after about 45 minutes from the ship; it feels like the movie where it’s been cloudy and raining for years, then hey-presto, it’s sunny and birds are chirping and the grass is green. But it really sucks until then. The only benefit was that I had around $400 in coins when I left, which was why my suitcase weighed as much as Jim.
That’s pretty much what I figured. I’ll still get out, but life would be a lot more enjoyable not having to live on the ship…
eeekkk! that sucks!
Read the HPA MOU it says you will not move out until you are being paid…
I have moved back into the barracks, and maybe just until I get paid, but this is the first cycle that hasn’t been kicked out right after frocking. Those in the last few cycles got kicked out a month after frocking, being paid or not. Maybe because I brought this up to my CMC is why I was able to be put back in, but sure enough I was supposed to move out.