I'm heading up to Altus for -135 PIQ in a few weeks. I talked to lodging and they say that there is pretty much no chance of getting anything on base right now since they are 'remodeling.' I heard from a buddy who just got up there a few weeks ago that they are giving letters of non-a but are forcing people go to the Best Western or Microtel. From what I've read on this thread though, unless it is 'contract lodging' then they cannot tell you where to stay off base as long as it does not exceed the maximum daily rate ($77 for Altus). Is that right? And is there any intel out there about whether or not Altus has any contract lodging?
And just to clarify: if lodging is not available on day one and you stay off base, then they cannot force you back into lodging on base per JFTR U1045 A Note 2. But then there is the stipulation about moving back on base in AFI 34-246 if TDY-to-school (AETC). So my question is, does the JFTR trump the AFI in this case or could I be forced to move back on base after the initial non-a letter? I just want to make sure I understand this before I head up there and get 'told' something by the shoes at lodging.