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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 Force3,000+ military and civilian personnel

Diego Garcia

Naval Support Facility Diego Garcia · Chagos Archipelago, British Indian Ocean Territory

Diego Garcia is a remote coral atoll in the middle of the Indian Ocean operated as a joint US and UK military installation supporting strategic bomber operations, naval logistics, and satellite communications. The Air Force operates B-2 Spirit and B-52 Stratofortress from this isolated base for extended deterrence missions across the Indo-Pacific and Middle East. This is an unaccompanied assignment of 12 to 18 months considered one of the most unique and remote postings in the entire US military.

E-5 BAH: BAH at home station stored or sent home
O-3 BAH: BAH at home station stored or sent home
Avg Home Price: Not applicable; unaccompanied remote assignment
Branch: Air Force

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Neighborhoods

Military Billeting on the Atoll

Remote Military Compound

Government provided/mo

All personnel live in dormitories and berthing on the atoll. There is no civilian community on the island.

Air Force Transient Quarters

Crew Rest Facilities

Government provided/mo

Bomber and airlift crews use transient quarters during rotational operations.

Officer Quarters

VOQ

Government provided/mo

Visiting officer quarters and permanent party officer housing on the lagoon side of the atoll.

Enlisted Dormitories

Barracks

Government provided/mo

Modern enlisted dormitories with individual rooms and shared common areas.

Schools

No schools on island

Grades N/A

Diego Garcia is an unaccompanied assignment; no families or children are permitted on the island.

Online DoDEA Virtual Schools

Grades K-12

Not applicable on island; mentioned as reference for dependent children remaining stateside with sponsors.

University of Maryland Global Campus Online

Grades College

Many Diego Garcia personnel take online college courses; internet access supports this during the remote tour.

Housing Intel

On-Post Housing

All personnel live on the island in government-provided quarters. No off-base housing exists.

Off-Post Rental Market

Not applicable. The island has no civilian population and no off-base areas.

Commute

Diego Garcia is a single atoll of 17 square miles. All facilities are within bicycle or vehicle distance; bicycles are the primary transportation on island.

Installation Highlights

One of the most remote and unique military assignments on earth in the center of the Indian Ocean
Strategic B-2 and B-52 bomber operations providing global strike and extended deterrence
Exceptional diving, snorkeling, and fishing in pristine Indian Ocean waters
Forced simplicity of island life leads to extraordinary unit bonding and personal reflection
Hammerhead sharks, manta rays, and sea turtles are regularly visible in the lagoon

Insider Tips

Bring quality dive gear and fishing equipment; the Indian Ocean access is the defining perk of this assignment.
Internet connectivity exists but is limited; download shows and media before departing for the tour.
Physical fitness becomes a central activity on island; the jogging trail around the perimeter is iconic.
The isolation forces financial savings; most personnel bank essentially all of their pay during the tour.
Embrace the experience completely; personnel who resist the isolation have a miserable year while those who embrace it often request extensions.

Nearby Attractions

Indian Ocean lagoon diving and snorkeling (on island)
Hammerhead shark and manta ray sightings in the lagoon
Sports fishing for yellowfin tuna and mahi-mahi
The Point: the atoll southern tip and classic gathering spot
British Forces Recreation Club (BFRC) social and dining

School Liaison Officer

Free support for military families navigating school enrollment, records transfers, and education options near Naval Support Facility Diego Garcia.

Phone: Not applicable for unaccompanied assignment
Hours: Contact through NSF Diego Garcia PAO

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Find a verified veteran or military spouse Realtor who knows Naval Support Facility Diego Garcia and the local VA loan market.

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Did We Miss Something?

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