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Housing privatization raises standard of living for Airmen

  • Published
  • By Capt. Karen Mock
  • Air Force Global Strike Command Public Affairs
BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La --  The process of privatizing housing in Air Force Global Strike Command is near completion, according to command officials.

In this process, base housing is conveyed to a private owner who is required to ensure housing is comparable to other off-base homes, while retaining a sense of military community, said Louis Screws, command housing specialist.

"Privatized housing affords the best of both worlds, homes built and maintained to local market standards and a thriving military community where our families will choose and want to live," said Screws. "Through this process we can raise the standard of living for our families and at the same time contribute to the overall success of the command's mission."

The rent price-point includes water, trash, sewage and renter's insurance and is set according to rank, in accordance with the Basic Allowance for Housing, noted Screws. Members sign lease agreements similar to a regular renter's lease agreement.

Each community will have a variation of amenities, which may include play areas, sports fields, courts, pools, jogging paths and pet parks. Other conveniences may also include co-located housing offices and community centers, on-call maintenance service and snow removal and indoor splash parks at northern tier locations, noted Screws.

"From the outside, privatized housing mirrors community rental housing in the way a member pays rent and utilities," said Screws. "On the inside it's much more. The Air Force and this command are committed to promoting an Air Force-unique 'sense of community' at our installations."

"Through privatization, there has been $6.5 billion of private investment in family housing across the Air Force," Screws said.

Privatization has been completed here, F.E. Warren AFB, Wyo., Malmstrom AFB, Mont., and Whiteman AFB, Mo . Minot AFB, N.D., is scheduled for privatization in 2013.