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.

Army20,000+ soldiers and civilians

Fort Eisenhower (Fort Gordon)

Fort Eisenhower · Augusta, Georgia

Fort Eisenhower (formerly Fort Gordon) is home to the Army Cyber Center of Excellence, NSA Georgia, and US Army Cyber Command. Augusta, GA is a growing technology-driven military community with one of the highest concentrations of cyber and intelligence professionals in the Army, a low cost of living, and growing civilian tech sector employment.

E-5 BAH: $1,383
O-3 BAH: $1,800
Avg Home Price: $260,000
Branch: Army

Build My PCS Plan →

Neighborhoods

Evans

Off-Post

$1,300 to $1,700/mo

Most popular with military families, excellent schools, suburban feel, Columbia County

Grovetown

Off-Post

$1,150 to $1,500/mo

Very close to post gate, newer construction, growing rapidly

North Augusta, SC

Off-Post

$1,200 to $1,600/mo

Across the Savannah River in South Carolina, no SC income tax on military pay

Fort Eisenhower On-Post

On-Post

On-Post BAH/mo

Managed by Balfour Beatty, multiple housing neighborhoods on post

Schools

Columbia County Schools

Grades K to 12

One of the best school districts in Georgia, serves Evans and Grovetown, highly rated

Richmond County Schools

Grades K to 12

Augusta city district, lower rated, most military families prefer Columbia County

Greenbrier High School

Grades 9 to 12

Top high school in the area, Columbia County, strong academic programs

Housing Intel

On-Post Housing

Managed by Balfour Beatty. Wait list varies. Columbia County off-post options are excellent and many military families choose to buy rather than wait for on-post.

Off-Post Rental Market

Columbia County is the premier market. Evans, Grovetown, and Martinez are all solid options. Very affordable by national standards with strong VA loan lending community.

Commute

Tobacco Road and Gate 1 are primary access points. Evans corridor is a 20 to 30 minute commute. Post traffic is manageable compared to larger Army installations.

Installation Highlights

Army Cyber Center of Excellence, NSA Georgia, and US Cyber Command presence
Augusta Masters Golf Tournament each April, post community involvement
Georgia no longer taxes military retirement pay
One of the fastest growing cyber and intelligence career markets outside DC
Low cost of living with strong employment for veterans and military spouses

Insider Tips

Columbia County schools are among the best in Georgia, living there is worth the commute
The Augusta Masters creates a unique community event every April, get involved
Cyber jobs for veterans and cleared personnel are abundant in the Augusta corridor
North Augusta, SC is worth considering for the South Carolina tax advantages
Savannah River provides outdoor recreation including kayaking and fishing

Nearby Attractions

Augusta National Golf Club and Masters Tournament
Riverwalk Augusta along the Savannah River
Lake Strom Thurmond for boating and fishing (45 min)
Columbia, SC for urban amenities (1.5 hours)
Atlanta day trips (2.5 hours)

School Liaison Officer

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

Phone: 706-791-7201
DSN: 780-7201
Hours: Mon to Fri 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Moving to Augusta?

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

Build My PCS Timeline

Help Us Help the Next Family

Did We Miss Something?

You know things about Fort Eisenhower 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.