Whether you’re preparing to join the armed forces, mid-way through your career, or supporting a family member who serves, the question of where you’ll live is one that comes up at every stage. The answer isn’t straightforward, and it shifts depending on your rank, role, and personal circumstances. The thing is, you may not be required to live in military barracks while serving. In short, whether you live in barracks depends on:
- Your rank
- Your role
- Your personal circumstances
- Where you are posted
In this blog, we explore when you’ll be calling the barracks your home, how much it may cost, and whether you may be exempt.
What are barracks?
Barracks are on-base accommodation provided by the Ministry of Defence (MOD). They can range from single-occupancy rooms to shared living spaces.
They typically come furnished with the basics, and you are free to upgrade the room to make it more homely and to your tastes. You won’t be able to throw out any of the items provided to you by the forces, though. Items can be handed back to stores if replaced by your own items.
Some facilities are quite modern, but it is not uncommon to find yourself in more dated accommodation on occasion.
Single living accommodation (SLA)
In most cases, recruits will initially live in an SLA (Single Living Accommodation). These living quarters within the barracks are specifically designed for one person. It’s normally the default arrangement for those who have recently joined the armed forces and is often seen somewhat as a rite of passage. If you have a family, you may have the option to live in an SFA, which we cover further down the page.
Who lives in military barracks?
Not all military personnel will live in barracks. As mentioned in our introduction, much depends on rank, role and personal circumstances.
You can generally expect a barracks to be made up of:
Recruits, Officer Cadets and junior-ranked personnel
Most of the barracks are filled with the newest recruits and those in the early stages of their career. During the first two stages of training, living on base is compulsory. Once the training is completed, you may be eligible to live elsewhere, but this will depend on your posting, the requirements of your unit and any personal circumstances.
Single personnel
Those without a wife or family to support, regardless of rank, typically remain living in an SLA if available. It is widely expected that single service personnel remain living close to their unit to be readily available should the need arise.
Personnel with dependents
Married or partnered military personnel with children may be eligible for SFA accommodation. Service Family Accommodation is not typically in the barracks but is normally close by in a dedicated housing estate for members of the armed forces
Do reservists live in barracks?
In most cases, reservists do not live in military barracks permanently. During routine training weekends, reservists are generally provided accommodation on camp or near the training area.
When mobilised for a longer period of active service, however, reservists are typically entitled to the same SLA accommodation as regular personnel. This means access to on-base rooms, shared facilities, and the subsidised daily rate that applies to their rank. During mobilisation, reservists may also be eligible to apply for SFA if they have dependents, though availability and posting will still play a role.
It is worth noting that the insurance considerations for reservists can be more complex than for regulars. A reservist living in SLA during mobilisation but maintaining a home elsewhere may find that standard contents policies do not adequately cover both. Specialist military insurance can help bridge that gap, as it can offer cover for their own property, living in the SLA and their kit
Do army officers live in military barracks?
In many cases, officers will live in barracks, but they are typically housed in different areas from junior personnel and to a generally higher standard of accommodation.
For example, officer cadets undergoing training at the military academy in Sandhurst, Cranwell, Lympstone or Dartmouth will live on site during their commissioning training.
Once commissioned and posted to a unit, single officers are typically allocated SLA, similar to those holding other ranks. However, officer SLA will normally be in a different part of the barracks. This accommodation is normally more spacious, offering a higher standard of living with communal dining spaces and social facilities often provided. Known as the Officers’ Mess, it is widely perceived as being an important place for the development of officers socially and professionally.
Senior officers may be offered accommodation similar to a small flat or house, giving them an added level of privacy and reflecting their status within the regiment.
MOD investment has seen the gap between standards of accommodation close over recent years, with the FDIS (Future Defence Infrastructure) programme helping bridge the gap and give junior personnel more comfortable living spaces.
What is the difference between SLA and SFA?
For new members of the armed forces, understanding the difference between SLA and SFA is essential. Especially for those who are married, in a long-term relationship or have children.
SLA: Single Living Accommodation
SLA is the on-base accommodation provided to single service personnel. It normally includes:
- Single rooms or shared rooms within accommodation blocks
- Shared or en-suite bathroom facilities
- Access to communal areas such as gyms and junior ranks dining area.
- Basic furniture and bedding
Single Living Accommodation is allocated based on availability and rank and charged on a per-day rate. This is automatically deducted from wages and is significantly subsidised when compared to rent paid by civilians.
SFA: Service Family Accommodation
SFA is the housing provided by the MOD for those who have dependents. It is normally found in dedicated housing estates near or on the barracks.
- Provided for length of service
- Must be vacated when leaving the service
- Rent charged based on the size of accommodation, rank and type of property
- Only available through application. Placement is not automatic
Although there are many SFA available on or near base, some are in nearby towns or villages instead. This varies greatly by posting.
Can families live in barracks?
Families live within dedicated military housing. This can be on the barracks or off-site in dedicated estates.
SLA blocks are not shared, meaning that families will never be placed in SLA blocks.
For families living in SFA, it will largely resemble a property that they would have lived in before service began.
SFA normally includes:
- A house or flat (2, 3 or 4 bed)
- A garden in some cases
- A local military community (ideal for integration and support)
- Access to the on-base facilities such as schools, medical facilities and shops
Living in SFA comes with strict obligations. Typical housing costs must be covered, and the property should be well looked after and returned in good condition. Think of it like when you end your tenancy in a rented home. Any issues need to be reported, and rather than going to a landlord, there will be a dedicated housing officer at the base or a contractor responsible for all SFA properties.
Can I live in SLA while my partner lives in our regular home?
In many cases, partners may not wish to relocate each time a new posting takes place. With the potential for this to happen every two to three years, it can result in upheaval, which for some is a challenge in itself.
To reduce disruption, it can be common for the remaining members of the family to stay in their original home while the serving member lives in SLA. This is often referred to as living unaccompanied.
This can bring additional financial considerations, though, as not only will you pay for your SLA, but you will contribute to the family home too. This is worth considering when deciding on living arrangements. Speaking with a unit welfare officer can help you make a better assessment of the financial impact of running two homes.
Do you have to pay to live in barracks?
Rent is a drain on funds no matter where you live, but in the military, it works a bit differently. You will still pay for your accommodation, but it is heavily subsidised.
Charges for SLA are deducted from your pay and are set nationally by the MOD. How much you pay will be worked out based on:
- Rank
- The grade of your accommodation
- Whether your room is en-suite or shares facilities
Rates can be as low as just a few pounds per day for junior personnel, and whilst this saving is extremely welcome, there is inevitably less privacy and the general expectation that you live where you are told.
For SFA, rent is charged weekly, again, calculated on rank and property grade.
If you are deployed or will be away from the barracks for a considerable time, rent costs are often suspended. Rules may vary by barracks, so it is always worth checking with the unit admin staff.
What happens to your military accommodation when you are deployed?
In most cases, when you are deployed, your SLA accommodation is held for you or re-allocated if the absence is long-term.
In SFA, family members are normally allowed to remain living there. This is a family home and not just a serving member’s property.
The importance of insurance when living in SLA or SFA
Insurance is something that many serving personnel and recruits don’t think about until it’s too late. Standard contents insurance may not cover those living in SLA or SFA, which is why specialist policies tailored to the armed forces are worth considering early. Whether you are in single living accommodation on base, or settled into service family housing or in your own home or privately renting, making sure your belongings and kit are properly protected can save significant expense down the line.
At Trinity, we provide bespoke insurance for members of the UK armed forces, including specialist military kit insurance for those in SLA and SFA and military home insurance for those in their own home or privately renting. This insurance includes kit and covers your contents when you are living in the mess away from your main home. Request a call back from us today, and a member of our team can help you discuss your options.