Okay, so let me tell you about this little adventure I had with DA Form 5960. It all started when I needed to update my Basic Allowance for Quarters. I’m in the reserves, divorced, with joint custody of my kid, and I don’t pay child support since we share 50/50 custody. I figured, “How hard could it be to update my BAH with this new form?” Turns out, it was a bit of a journey.
Getting Started
First off, I grabbed the DA Form 5960. The form is basically an authorization to start, stop, or change your BAQ. I dived into it, feeling pretty confident. I mean, I’ve filled out forms before, right?
Filling Out the Form
Section 1 was straightforward. I filled in my personal details – name, rank, and my Social Security Number. Nothing too complicated there. I felt like I was off to a good start.
Then came Section 2. This is where it got a bit more involved. I had to provide details about my situation. I marked down my marital status, the details about my joint custody arrangement, and the fact that I don’t pay child support. I made sure to double-check everything because, you know, accuracy is key.
The Hiccups
- Initially, I thought this was going to be a breeze. But, it turns out, understanding all the nuances of BAH and how it applies to someone in my situation with joint custody and no child support payments required a bit of research.
- I had to dig into some regulations and even reached out to a buddy who’s more familiar with this stuff. It was a bit of a learning curve, realizing how much I didn’t know.
Submitting the Form
After what seemed like forever, I finally got all the sections filled out correctly. I reviewed the form one last time, made sure all the information was accurate and that I hadn’t missed anything. Then, I signed it and submitted it through the proper channels. I have to say, it was a relief to finally send it off.
The Waiting Game
Once the form was submitted, it was time to play the waiting game. I kept checking my email and mailbox, eagerly waiting for any updates. It took a bit longer than I expected, which was a tad frustrating, but hey, that’s how these things go sometimes.
Success!
Finally, the day came when I received the confirmation that my BAH update was approved! It felt like a small victory. I mean, who knew updating a form could feel so satisfying?
So, that’s my story about dealing with DA Form 5960. It was a bit more involved than I initially thought, but I got through it. And hey, I learned a thing or two along the way. If any of you are in a similar situation, just remember to take your time, do your research, and don’t be afraid to ask for help. You’ll get through it, just like I did!