Since it's happened twice this week already, and it's only Wednesday, I though it'd be appropriate to talk a little bit about Overseas Housing Allowance (OHA) vs. Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH).

One of the reasons that rental prices are so steep on Guam is because of the heavy OHA allowance service members receive. Even the most junior E-1 receives $1900 per month and an additional $500+ ($800+ with dependents) utility allowance. The military very much controls the housing market here. OHA, being a "use it or loose it" allowance, meaning you only get what you use up to your limit, means that service members generally "max out" their allowance.

BAH, which is what you receive in the mainland, allows the service member to keep what they don't use, and keep some money in your pocket.