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.

Navy4,000

Camp Lemonnier

Camp Lemonnier · Djibouti City, Djibouti

Camp Lemonnier is the only permanent US military base in Africa and serves as a hub for counter-terrorism and maritime security operations in the Horn of Africa and Arabian Peninsula. The camp is a deployed, austere environment adjacent to Djibouti International Airport. Assignments are primarily unaccompanied due to the operational nature of the mission and challenging environment.

E-5 BAH: $1,400 MIHA
O-3 BAH: $2,100 MIHA
Avg Home Price: OHA covered
Branch: Navy

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Neighborhoods

Camp Lemonnier Main Post

On-Post Billeting

On-Post OHA/mo

Containerized and semi-permanent quarters; conditions improving with ongoing construction.

Djibouti City Off-Post

Off-Post (Senior/Civilian)

$1,800 to $3,000 equiv/mo

Limited off-post housing for select senior personnel and DoD civilians.

Villas Diplomatiques

Off-Post Expat

$2,200 to $3,500 equiv/mo

Expatriate housing area in the diplomatic district; used by select contract and civilian staff.

Hotel-Based Lodging

Temporary

$150 to $250 per night/mo

International hotels used during transit and temporary duty assignments.

Schools

No DoDEA School On-Post

Grades N/A

Unaccompanied assignment; no on-post school facilities.

Djibouti Academy (Off-Post)

Grades K-12

Private French/English school used by a small number of DoD civilian dependents.

Virtual DoDEA (DDESS)

Grades K-12

Online DoDEA schooling option for dependents of the rare accompanied civilian assignments.

Housing Intel

On-Post Housing

Billeting provided; unaccompanied assignment standard

Off-Post Rental Market

Very limited off-post housing for senior civilians

Commute

All facilities are on or adjacent to the main camp. Djibouti City is 5 minutes by vehicle.

Installation Highlights

Only permanent US military base on the African continent
Critical staging hub for AFRICOM and CENTCOM operations
Unique Red Sea and Gulf of Aden diving and marine life access
Lac Assal is one of the lowest and saltiest points on Earth
Small but resilient military community with strong camaraderie

Insider Tips

Extreme heat exceeds 110F in summer; hydration and heat discipline are mission-critical habits.
Bring noise-canceling headphones and entertainment options; off-post activities are very limited.
The Red Sea diving off Djibouti is world-class; bring or rent gear for whale shark season.
Lac Assal and Lac Abbe are must-visit natural wonders for a surreal African landscape experience.
Maintain communication with family regularly; deployed schedules and time zones require planning.

Nearby Attractions

Lac Assal salt lake, one of the lowest points on Earth
Lac Abbe limestone chimneys and flamingo habitat
Day Forest National Park in the Goda Mountains
Red Sea and Gulf of Tadjoura snorkeling and diving
Djibouti City Central Market for local goods and culture

School Liaison Officer

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

Phone: N/A
Hours: Unaccompanied tour; contact rear detachment

Moving to Djibouti City?

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

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Did We Miss Something?

You know things about Camp Lemonnier 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.