If you live in housing or on the waiting list for military housing at NBVC you are most likely aware that housing at NBVC has followed much of the rest of the military - Privatization or PPV. PPV or Public-Private Venture is a hot topic (and I'm looking forward to the discussion).

Some will view this change as a terrible move for military housing. Their fears include that this is the slippery slope toward charging utilities, banning pets and much more. Others will see benefits such as new construction and maintenance contracts opportunities.

I was caught in the midst of a PPV turnover at my last base. Less than four months after moving into base housing the housing went PPV. Two weeks after that we were notified that our home was being demolished to make room for new construction. And we had just unpacked the last box!

Change is always hard. We are set in our ways with military housing. PPV changes things. There are new rules, new procedures, new people. These changes are accompanied by opportunities. Construction of new homes, remodeling and renovation under the previous system was cumbersome and at the pleasure of congress. Under PPV these processes are streamlined.

At my previous base the new homes constructed on base were 'commercial grade' single family homes. They were beautiful! And, perhaps most amazing, the first one was occupied 15 months after the turnover to PPV. WOW!

Now the down size...I noticed that senior enlisted and officers were the ones moved into these houses that were constructed in what was a primarily junior enlisted area of housing. Further, my former area - a designated pet area - was now no longer 'pet authorized.' And, yes, I did notice that the new construction was individually metered for untilities...is this a foreshadowing of things to come?

Overall I am in favor of PPV. They are able to do more than government managed (and congressioanlly appropriated funds). They are in business to make money and as such have a vested interest in making PPV housing a preferred choice for military families. I am concerned that we will see 'pet ghettos' or junior enlisted (with lower paying BAH) relegated to older housing while senior enlisted and officers (with higher BAH) enjoy new construction and greater amenities.

What about you? PPV - Good move or Bad move? What has your experience been with both DoD managed and PPV managed housing? What say you?