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 Force7,500+ military

Barksdale Air Force Base

Barksdale AFB · Bossier City, Louisiana

Barksdale AFB is home to Air Force Global Strike Command and the 2nd Bomb Wing operating the B-52H Stratofortress. Located adjacent to Bossier City near Shreveport in northwest Louisiana, it offers very affordable Southern living, outstanding Louisiana cuisine, unique culture, and nearby casino entertainment. Louisiana fully exempts military retirement pay from state income tax.

E-5 BAH: $1,176
O-3 BAH: $1,530
Avg Home Price: $215,000
Branch: Air Force

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Neighborhoods

Bossier City

Off-Post

$1,000 to $1,400/mo

Adjacent to post, primary military community, casinos, very affordable, growing

Shreveport

Off-Post

$900 to $1,300/mo

Larger city across Red River, more urban amenities, easy commute via I-20

Haughton

Off-Post

$1,050 to $1,400/mo

Suburb north of Bossier City, good schools, family-friendly, growing community

Barksdale On-Post

On-Post

On-Post BAH/mo

Managed by Hunt Companies, on-post is popular due to very affordable area

Schools

Bossier Parish Schools

Grades K to 12

Primary district for Bossier City and Haughton, military-friendly, improving

Haughton High School

Grades 9 to 12

Top-rated school in Bossier Parish, popular with military families north of post

Caddo Parish Schools

Grades K to 12

Serves Shreveport area, larger urban district, varies significantly

Housing Intel

On-Post Housing

Managed by Hunt Companies. Affordable area makes off-post living very attractive. Strong on-post community.

Off-Post Rental Market

Bossier City and Haughton are excellent and very affordable markets. Louisiana BAH covers good housing easily. Strong VA loan lender community.

Commute

Barksdale Boulevard and East Texas Street are primary access routes. Bossier City is adjacent. Shreveport is 15 minutes. Haughton is 20 minutes north.

Installation Highlights

Air Force Global Strike Command headquarters, B-52H strategic bomber mission
Louisiana fully exempts military retirement pay from state income tax
Outstanding Cajun and Creole cuisine throughout the Shreveport-Bossier area
Very affordable cost of living, housing dollar goes very far
Proximity to New Orleans for weekend trips (4 hours) and cultural experiences

Insider Tips

Louisiana cuisine is world-class, explore every restaurant and do not just eat on post
New Orleans is 4 hours away and worth every trip, plan at least two visits per year
The Red River and Caddo Lake area offer excellent fishing and outdoor recreation
Louisiana retirement pay exemption makes the Shreveport area worth considering for retirement
The Barksdale Air Power Museum on post is free and excellent

Nearby Attractions

Barksdale Air Power Museum on post
New Orleans and French Quarter (4 hours)
Caddo Lake for fishing and paddling
Dallas-Fort Worth metro (3 hours west)
Natchitoches, oldest city in Louisiana (1.5 hours)

School Liaison Officer

Free support for military families navigating school enrollment, records transfers, and education options near Barksdale AFB.

Phone: 318-456-3461
DSN: 781-3461
Hours: Mon to Fri 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Moving to Bossier City?

Find a verified veteran or military spouse Realtor who knows Barksdale AFB and the local VA loan market.

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Did We Miss Something?

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