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.

Army1,400+ personnel

Dugway Proving Ground

Dugway Proving Ground · Dugway, Utah

Dugway Proving Ground conducts critical chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear defense testing and evaluation in the remote Utah desert southwest of Salt Lake City. The installation is extremely remote, located about 85 miles from Salt Lake City in the Great Basin desert near the Great Salt Lake. Families stationed here live primarily on post in a tight-knit community that makes the most of access to Utah's extraordinary outdoor recreation opportunities on weekends.

E-5 BAH: $1,500
O-3 BAH: $1,908
Avg Home Price: $280,000
Branch: Army

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Neighborhoods

On-Post Housing

Military family housing

$1,000 to $1,500/mo

The primary and nearly only housing option given the extreme remoteness

Tooele

Nearest off-post city

$1,400 to $1,900/mo

About 40 miles northeast, some families live here for better schools and amenities

Schools

Dugway School

Grades K-12

Small on-post school, dedicated teachers, strong community bond among students

Tooele County School District

Grades K-12

Good Utah district for families in Tooele, 40 miles from post

Stansbury Park Elementary

Grades K-6

Highly rated elementary in Tooele County growing community

Housing Intel

On-Post Housing

On-post housing is the primary option and is well-maintained

Off-Post Rental Market

Tooele has options for families preferring off-post living at the cost of a long commute

Commute

All post commutes are short as the installation is contained. The drive to Salt Lake City for shopping or weekend activities is 85 miles on I-80 and takes about 90 minutes.

Installation Highlights

Dugway's CBRN testing mission is critical to U.S. defense readiness
The Bonneville Salt Flats, site of land speed records, are a short drive north
Great Salt Lake and its unique ecosystem are nearby for nature exploration
Salt Lake City and its world-class skiing are about 85 miles northeast
Dark skies in the remote Utah desert make for exceptional stargazing

Insider Tips

Plan regular Salt Lake City trips for shopping, dining, and city recreation every few weeks
Utah's ski resorts are among the best in North America, budget for season passes
The remoteness requires a mental preparation, those who embrace the isolation thrive
Bonneville Salt Flats Speed Week events are a unique American experience worth attending
Great Salt Lake and Antelope Island State Park are fascinating natural destinations nearby

Nearby Attractions

Bonneville Salt Flats
Antelope Island State Park in the Great Salt Lake
Salt Lake City and Temple Square
World-class ski resorts (Park City, Alta, Snowbird)
Tooele County Railroad Museum

School Liaison Officer

Free support for military families navigating school enrollment, records transfers, and education options near Dugway Proving Ground.

Phone: (435) 831-2174
DSN: 789-2174
Hours: Mon-Fri 0800-1600

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Find a verified veteran or military spouse Realtor who knows Dugway Proving Ground and the local VA loan market.

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Did We Miss Something?

You know things about Dugway Proving Ground 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.