The Cuban José “Pepe” Ávalo, a resident of Sarasota (Florida) and a member of the United States Army, published a video detailing how the housing scheme works for troops stationed in Italy, one of the European locations where the cost of living is highest.
According to what was explained through their profile on Facebook, married soldiers, with or without children, or with a rank higher than Sergeant, would typically live in houses located within the neighborhoods of the military base, although these are currently under renovation.
In light of this situation, the Army offers already contracted housing in nearby communities, where military personnel reside without paying rent or utilities, benefits that are fully added to their salary.
When those houses are not available or do not meet the soldier's needs, another option arises: finding a home on their own with the assistance of a realtor provided by the Army.
In that case, the military personnel begins to receive additional monthly payments to cover rent and utilities, an option that was offered to Ávalo.
To provide a concrete reference, he pointed out that even a private stationed in Italy with his family can receive $1,768 per month for rent and another $1,807 for utilities, a high amount due to European costs, especially for gas.
He added that the military often pay higher rents than other local residents, although the system is designed so that with good management, a soldier can cover expenses and still have money left for travel, investments, or savings.
Ávalo clarified that this scheme operates similarly at other U.S. bases around the world, although the amounts vary depending on the cost of living in each location.
Within the United States, he explained, rent and utilities are combined into a single monthly allowance.
Regarding single soldiers or those with ranks below Sergeant, it was indicated that they are housed in modern dormitories or barracks that bear no resemblance to the huts or makeshift structures that some might envision.
The military officer insisted that the quality of life is not defined by the basic salary, but rather by the total of benefits that accompany the service, including the housing program.
He also encouraged those with questions to leave them in the comments.
The video adds to the public presence that Ávalo has gained in recent months. A few weeks ago, he recalled on social media his years as an emerging teacher in Cuba, a "failed experiment of the dictatorship," where at 16 years old he found himself in charge of a classroom after just six months of training.
Her testimony, which went viral, coincided with the announcement of her promotion to sergeant in the U.S. Army, a contrast that many users highlighted as part of a journey marked by breaks, effort, and social mobility.
Filed under:
