How does USMilitaryMoves work?

USMilitaryMoves connects military families with verified veteran and military-spouse real estate agents. Families browse agents for free, submit referrals, and get matched with agents who understand VA loans, BAH, and PCS timelines. The platform is completely free, no fees, no commissions, no catch.

Is USMilitaryMoves free for military families?

Yes, completely free for military families and for agents. There are no fees, no subscriptions, no commissions, and no obligations. This platform exists solely to serve the military community.

What is BAH and how is it calculated?

BAH (Basic Allowance for Housing) is a monthly tax-free housing stipend paid to service members who live off base. It is calculated based on three factors: your paygrade (rank), your duty station zip code, and whether you have dependents. BAH is set annually by the Department of Defense and is designed to cover median housing costs in each local market. Use the free BAH Calculator at usmilitarymoves.com/bah-calculator to look up rates by rank and installation.

What is a VA loan and can I use it more than once?

A VA loan is a mortgage benefit for eligible veterans, active-duty service members, and surviving spouses, backed by the Department of Veterans Affairs. Key benefits include no down payment required, no private mortgage insurance (PMI), competitive interest rates, and no prepayment penalties. Yes, you can use your VA loan benefit multiple times as long as you have remaining entitlement or have paid off and restored a previous VA loan.

What is PCS and how long does a PCS move take to plan?

PCS stands for Permanent Change of Station, the military's process of ordering a service member to relocate to a new duty assignment. Ideally, PCS planning begins 6 months before your report date. Key milestones include receiving orders, submitting housing applications, completing a house-hunting trip, locking in housing, coordinating TMO or DITY move logistics, and in-processing at the gaining unit. Use the free PCS Mission Planner at usmilitarymoves.com/pcs-planner to generate a personalized T-minus timeline.

How do I find a military-friendly real estate agent at my new duty station?

Browse our verified agent directory at usmilitarymoves.com/agents. Every agent in the network has been identity-verified as a veteran or military spouse. You can filter by state, installation, branch of service, and VA loan experience. Each agent profile shows their military background, transaction history, and reviews from military families they have served.

What military installations have base guides on USMilitaryMoves?

USMilitaryMoves publishes comprehensive PCS guides for major military installations including Fort Liberty (Fort Bragg) NC, Camp Pendleton CA, Joint Base Lewis-McChord WA, Fort Campbell KY, Joint Base San Antonio TX, Naval Station Norfolk VA, Joint Base Charleston SC, Fort Carson CO, and MacDill AFB FL. Each guide covers neighborhoods, school ratings, BAH rates, housing intel, commute tips, and insider advice from military families. Find all base guides at usmilitarymoves.com/bases.

What is the difference between a DITY move and a government move (TMO)?

A government move (TMO or Transportation Management Office move) means the military contracts and pays movers to pack and transport your household goods. A DITY move (Do-It-Yourself, now called PPM, Personally Procured Move) means you move your own belongings and the military reimburses you based on the weight you move. A hybrid move combines both: the government ships large items and you move the rest for additional reimbursement. DITY moves can result in profit if you move efficiently, but require more planning and effort.

Can military families use their BAH to pay a mortgage?

Yes, many military families use their BAH allowance to cover their mortgage payment. With a VA loan, you can purchase a home with zero down payment and no PMI, which often results in a monthly payment comparable to or lower than local rents. A verified military real estate agent can help you determine whether your BAH will cover a mortgage payment in your new duty station market.

Who can submit a referral on USMilitaryMoves?

Anyone can submit a referral on USMilitaryMoves, no real estate license required. Military family members, command spouse leaders, chaplains, VA loan officers, out-of-area agents, and community members are all eligible. It's free to submit and free for the family. Submit a referral at usmilitarymoves.com/refer.

Air Force10,000+ deployed and assigned personnel

Al Udeid Air Base

Al Udeid Air Base · Al Rayyan, Qatar, Qatar

Al Udeid Air Base is the largest US Air Force base in the Middle East and the home of US Air Forces Central Command, managing all Air Force operations across the CENTCOM area of responsibility from the Arabian Peninsula. Located outside Doha Qatar, Al Udeid is primarily a deployed location for most Airmen completing 6-month rotations, though a permanent cadre of assigned personnel and their families live here. Qatar is a modern and wealthy Gulf state offering surprising amenities and cultural experiences.

E-5 BAH: OHA/MIHA $3,000 (approx for PCS)
O-3 BAH: OHA/MIHA $4,500 (approx for PCS)
Avg Home Price: OHA rates apply; typical OHA is $3,000 to $5,000 for PCS families depending on rank
Branch: Air Force

Build My PCS Plan →

Neighborhoods

On-Base Housing and Dormitories

Military Housing

Government provided/mo

Most personnel live in dormitories or temporary living facilities on the massive base complex.

Al Rayyan and West Bay (Doha)

Qatari Residential

OHA covered for PCS assigned/mo

Modern Qatari residential areas near Doha available for permanently assigned families.

West Bay Lagoon (Doha)

Upscale Qatari

OHA covered for PCS assigned/mo

Upscale waterfront Doha district with high-rise apartments and walkable amenities for assigned families.

The Pearl Qatar

Luxury Island Development

OHA covered senior grades/mo

Artificial island luxury development popular with senior officers and civilians on PCS assignments.

Schools

Al Udeid American School (DoDEA)

Grades K-12

On-base DoDEA school serving permanently assigned families; strong academics in a unique environment.

American School of Doha

Grades K-12

International American curriculum school in Doha available for assigned families living off base.

Doha British School

Grades K-12

High-quality British curriculum international school in Doha; international baccalaureate program available.

Housing Intel

On-Post Housing

Dormitories and temporary living facilities serve the large deployed population. Assigned family housing is limited.

Off-Post Rental Market

OHA for PCS assigned personnel covers Doha housing which ranges from modern apartments to luxury villas.

Commute

Al Udeid is a large self-contained base. Deployed personnel rarely leave the installation. Assigned families commute from Doha in 20 to 40 minutes.

Installation Highlights

USAFCENT headquarters managing all Air Force combat operations across the Middle East and Central Asia
Qatar is one of the wealthiest nations in the world with world-class infrastructure
Doha Museum of Islamic Art and Souq Waqif offer extraordinary cultural experiences
Tax-free income for deployed personnel and CZTE for qualifying months
World Cup 2022 infrastructure including eight modern stadiums remain as legacy attractions

Insider Tips

Respect Qatari culture and Islamic customs; dress modestly off base and be aware of prayer times.
Souq Waqif is the traditional market in Doha with extraordinary spices, textiles, and Arabic coffee experiences.
The Museum of Islamic Art in Doha is world-class and free on certain days; a must-visit for assigned families.
Alcohol is available in licensed hotel venues in Qatar for those who choose to partake; not sold at off-base retail.
Qatar Airways access through Hamad International Airport enables affordable travel to Europe, Africa, and Asia.

Nearby Attractions

Museum of Islamic Art in Doha (world-class collection)
Souq Waqif traditional market and falcon souq
Katara Cultural Village on the Doha waterfront
Desert safari and dune bashing in the Qatari interior
The Pearl Qatar artificial island shopping and dining

School Liaison Officer

Free support for military families navigating school enrollment, records transfers, and education options near Al Udeid Air Base.

Phone: DSN: 318-432-7404
DSN: 318-432-7404
Hours: Mon-Fri 6:30am-3:30pm (Qatar time)

Moving to Al Rayyan, Qatar?

Find a verified veteran or military spouse Realtor who knows Al Udeid Air Base and the local VA loan market.

Build My PCS Timeline

Help Us Help the Next Family

Did We Miss Something?

You know things about Al Udeid Air Base that we do not. The best intel comes from families who actually lived there. Tell us what you know and we will add it to the guide.