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.

Army15,000

Camp Arifjan

Camp Arifjan · Kuwait City, Kuwait

Camp Arifjan is the primary US Army staging and logistics base in the Middle East, supporting operations across the CENTCOM area of responsibility. Located south of Kuwait City, the camp serves as a gateway for forces rotating into Iraq, Syria, and the broader theater. The environment is austere but increasingly developed, with steady improvements to quality of life infrastructure over two decades of operations.

E-5 BAH: $1,500 MIHA
O-3 BAH: $2,200 MIHA
Avg Home Price: OHA covered
Branch: Army

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Neighborhoods

Camp Arifjan Main Post

On-Post Billeting

On-Post Housing/mo

Containerized and permanent quarters; amenities include multiple dining facilities and recreation centers.

Zone 1 Family Housing

On-Post Family Housing

On-Post Housing/mo

Limited family housing available for select accompanied tours; apply through HRC before arrival.

Kuwait City Off-Post

Off-Post (Senior/Civilian)

$2,000 to $3,500 equiv/mo

Modern apartments in Kuwait City for select civilian and contractor personnel.

Fahaheel / Mangaf

Off-Post Suburban

$1,500 to $2,500 equiv/mo

Suburban Kuwait neighborhoods south of Kuwait City popular with DoD civilians.

Schools

American International School Kuwait

Grades K-12

Primary school option for accompanied DoD civilian dependents in Kuwait City.

Virtual DoDEA

Grades K-12

Online DoDEA schooling for the small number of accompanied dependent children.

No On-Post DoDEA School

Grades N/A

Primarily unaccompanied or short-tour assignment; on-post schooling not available.

Housing Intel

On-Post Housing

Billeting provided for all ranks; family housing very limited

Off-Post Rental Market

Kuwait City and suburbs for civilians and select accompanied tours

Commute

On-post facilities are all within walking or shuttle distance. Kuwait City is 40 minutes north by car.

Installation Highlights

Primary US Army logistics and staging base for the entire CENTCOM theater
Significant investment in quality of life since 2001 with gyms, pools, and recreation
Kuwait City's modern malls and restaurants are accessible for off-post recreation
Tax-free pay and deployment benefits significantly boost financial savings potential
Strategic gateway position for operations across Iraq, Syria, and the Arabian Peninsula

Insider Tips

Desert heat exceeds 130F in summer; physical training must be planned for early morning hours.
Alcohol is prohibited in Kuwait; respect local law and cultural norms at all times.
Bring a variety of entertainment and hobby supplies; off-post recreation is limited.
Kuwait City malls are excellent for shopping and provide a welcome change of scenery on days off.
Coordinate mail using APO address early; Amazon and other online orders ship reliably to the APO.

Nearby Attractions

Kuwait Towers iconic water tower and observation deck
Grand Mosque of Kuwait largest mosque in the country
Kuwait National Museum and Sadu House cultural centers
The Avenues mega-mall and Souk Al-Mubarakiya traditional market
Red Fort (Al Jahra) historic fort and local battlefield

School Liaison Officer

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

Phone: DSN 430-2150
Hours: Mon-Fri 0800-1700

Moving to Kuwait City?

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

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Did We Miss Something?

You know things about Camp Arifjan 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.