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 Force3,500 active duty

Cannon AFB

Cannon Air Force Base · Clovis, New Mexico

Cannon AFB is home to the 27th Special Operations Wing, operating AC-130 gunships and CV-22 Ospreys in support of AFSOC missions worldwide. Located on the high plains of eastern New Mexico near Clovis, Cannon is a remote and mission-focused installation with a tight-knit special operations community. While the surrounding area is rural and isolated, the community pride and mission intensity create a distinctive culture that many members come to deeply value.

E-5 BAH: $1,170
O-3 BAH: $1,500
Avg Home Price: $185,000
Branch: Air Force

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Neighborhoods

Clovis

Small City

$900 to $1,300/mo

The primary off-base community with affordable housing and a strong military presence.

Portales

Small Town

$750 to $1,100/mo

College town 18 miles south hosting Eastern New Mexico University with a quieter atmosphere.

Cannon Gate Area

Rural Suburban

$850 to $1,200/mo

Small developments just outside the main gate offering the shortest possible commute.

Texico

Small Town

$750 to $1,000/mo

Tiny border community straddling the New Mexico and Texas state line southeast of the base.

Schools

Clovis High School

Grades 9-12

Primary high school in Clovis serving the largest military family community off base.

Yucca Middle School

Grades 6-8

Clovis Municipal middle school convenient for families in the primary off-base community.

La Casita Elementary

Grades K-5

Elementary school in Clovis serving the military family population near the installation.

Housing Intel

On-Post Housing

On-base housing is managed by Balfour Beatty with availability generally good given the remote location.

Off-Post Rental Market

Clovis offers extremely affordable housing; BAH at most ranks covers very comfortable homes.

Commute

Clovis is 5 to 15 minutes from the main gate. Portales is about 20 minutes south on US-70.

Installation Highlights

27th Special Operations Wing with AC-130 and CV-22 high-demand AFSOC missions
Extremely affordable cost of living with some of the lowest rents near any Air Force base
Tight-knit SOF community with strong esprit de corps
Clear skies and wide open spaces make for outstanding stargazing and outdoor activities
Eastern New Mexico University in Portales offers spouse education and partnership programs

Insider Tips

Embrace the remoteness; the SOF community here is incredibly close and supportive of families.
Amarillo, TX is about 90 miles east and provides shopping, dining, and airport access for travel.
Stargazing on the eastern New Mexico plains is outstanding; the lack of light pollution is a real benefit.
Eastern New Mexico University in Portales offers tuition discounts and programs for military families.
Build a social network quickly; remote duty stations reward those who invest in the community.

Nearby Attractions

Bottomless Lakes State Park near Roswell
Roswell UFO Museum and Research Center
Carlsbad Caverns National Park, about 2.5 hours south
Ute Lake State Park west of Tucumcari
Palo Duro Canyon State Park in Amarillo, TX

School Liaison Officer

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

Phone: 575-784-2954
Hours: Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Moving to Clovis?

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

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Did We Miss Something?

You know things about Cannon Air Force 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.