Shelter play a crucial role in a man’s well-being because after all the days stress and rigours, you always have a place you go which you call home. Be it a studio apartment, flat or duplex, Home is Home.

As the saying goes, “Home is where the heart is or Where the WIFI connects automatically”.

SO,

Where do you live to have a better life?

IN or OUTSIDE the military Cantonment?

The military has housing for its personnel which in Nigeria is commonly referred to as “Barracks” scattered across the country. When I got married to the army ( I mean my soldier…..lol), I didn’t know the best thing to do.

Most families are usually in such a dilemma throughout a military career. Oftentimes, they prefer to have some space and put more miles between themselves and the military. Therefore, they wonder “IF” living in the barracks would be the best option for them or not.

There are several misconceptions about military cantonments. Most people say the “barracks setting” is not ideal for raising a family as kids may grow up to be hardened and tough. Some believe it’s a safe haven for soldiers and their families when they commit a crime in town.

Be it as it may, as someone who has experienced living on and off base, and also from my interactions with other military families:

Here are some of the Pros and Cons of living in the barracks

The Pros :

Safety:

Living in the barracks is safer compared to off base. This is because of the presence of military men and security men stationed all around. Their presence serves as a deterrent to anyone who has an ulterior motive.

I can still remember the ugly experience I had six years ago when my house off base was burgled. Luckily for me, I travelled to see my soldier with my kids when the incident happened. That incident made me live in a military barracks for almost two years. To date, I have never slept in that house and I have only been there once since after the incident.

Military Community….that communal living:

The barracks housing is meant to accommodate not only the military personnel but also their families. When you live in the barracks, you can be around other military families and a lot closer to the military community. This is one of the best things about living in the barracks. Sometimes, lasting friendships are born out of communal living.

Affordable – You’ll Save on rent and utilities:

Yes, living in the barracks can save you the nightmare of having to pay rent. It will also allow you to save a lot more on utilities. Though utilities are deducted from soldiers salaries at the source, YOU’LL SAVE A LOT MORE.

Close to work:

When you live in the barracks, your service member will be close to his/her place of work. They won’t have as long of a commute, and traffic won’t be as much of an issue. This will give your soldier more opportunities to dash home for lunch and see you during the day…Amazing right???

The Cons:

Lack of decent houses:

Houses in the barracks is a mixture of both dilapidated and habitable buildings with some of the latter in need of a facelift. Even the newly built or renovated ones are mostly built with substandard fittings and materials. By living in the barracks housing, you won’t have as much of a choice on the house you will live in.

Restrictions:

You may be constricted to certain rules and regulations. Such restricted living is meant to provide a regimented form of living for the military personnel which is not always ideal. I can still remember a soldier that was picked up from the after party of his wedding, on his wedding night and locked up because an officer felt the music was too loud.

At other times, you may not be allowed to have pets or use your power generating set where you only have power for 0-6 hours on a daily basis.

Lack of privacy and comfort:

Military housing in some instance is not built for comfort or privacy as you often get to share your space especially if you’re living in a block of flats. Most times, two families are even paired in a two-bedroom flat!

This isn’t always a good thing!

If you are used to having more space, you may feel uncomfortable. There will always be something going on and there will always be people coming and going.

This often gives way for prying eyes with the attendant result of gossip and conflicts arising from such constant interactions.

Rumour and Gossip:

The barracks is a haven for rumours and gossips. You get to live with different groups and classes of people. You’re forced to interact with people ordinarily, you wouldn’t have any relationship with. Some of these people will make your personal business their major concern. They will always look for things to talk about not minding their authenticity.

Work, Work and Work (work after work…lol):

Living outside the barracks can put more miles between you and the military. No one will bother to look for you after work for more work. You’ll have your space and time.

But….,

When you live in the barracks, you are closer to work and your soldier might not be able to get the distance your family needs after work. You simply can’t find that space you so much need on base.

My advice….,

Depending on where your soldier is serving, you may live in or outside the barracks. Some places might be better for ON base living, while others would be best to live OFF base.

Think about the pros and cons of living on base, and make a decision that is best for your family.

CHEERS.