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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 Force18,000+ military and family members

Kadena Air Base

Kadena Air Base · Kadena, Okinawa, Japan

Kadena Air Base is the largest US Air Force base in Asia, home to the 18th Wing flying F-15C/D Eagles transitioning to the F-15EX, and located on the subtropical island of Okinawa in southern Japan. Okinawa offers stunning beaches, crystal-clear waters, unique Ryukyuan culture distinct from mainland Japan, and a warm climate year-round. Kadena is one of the most sought-after Pacific assignments with world-class diving, Asian travel access, and a vibrant military community.

E-5 BAH: OHA $2,400 (approx)
O-3 BAH: OHA $3,600 (approx)
Avg Home Price: OHA rates apply; typical OHA is $2,400 to $3,800 depending on rank
Branch: Air Force

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Neighborhoods

On-Base Housing (Kadena)

Military Housing

OHA covered/mo

Extensive on-base housing areas managed by the base with multiple neighborhood options.

Okinawa City (Koza)

Japanese City

OHA covered/mo

City adjacent to the base with a strong US military presence, entertainment district, and cultural fusion.

Chatan and American Village

Coastal Entertainment

OHA covered/mo

Popular area west of the base with shopping, restaurants, and beachfront Mihama American Village.

Northern Okinawa Villages

Rural Japanese

OHA covered/mo

More authentic Ryukyuan culture in the north with lower rents and beautiful nature.

Schools

Kadena Elementary School (DoDEA)

Grades K-5

On-base DoDEA elementary with excellent programs in a diverse Pacific military community.

Kadena Middle School (DoDEA)

Grades 6-8

Strong DoDEA middle school serving the Kadena community.

Kadena High School (DoDEA)

Grades 9-12

Competitive DoDEA high school with AP programs and strong Pacific athletics; rival of Kubasaki High School.

Housing Intel

On-Post Housing

On-base housing is popular and competitive. Apply immediately upon receiving orders.

Off-Post Rental Market

OHA covers Okinawan rental housing. Living off base in Okinawa is a culturally rich experience and highly recommended for those comfortable with the local environment.

Commute

Kadena is large but Okinawa is a small island. Most communities are within 15 to 30 minutes of the base gates.

Installation Highlights

Largest USAF base in Asia with F-15 operations in the Pacific Command area
World-class scuba diving and snorkeling in the East China Sea and Pacific Ocean
Subtropical climate with warm weather year-round and beautiful beaches
Access to Japan, Southeast Asia, Australia, and Pacific Islands within a few hours by air
Unique Ryukyuan culture with Okinawan music, karate, and cuisine distinct from mainland Japan

Insider Tips

Get a Japanese drivers license as early as possible; the process takes months and you need it to drive off base.
Buy an annual park pass for the Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium; it is spectacular and worth multiple visits.
Dive certification on Okinawa is affordable and the diving is world-class; prioritize it early in your tour.
Visit mainland Japan on a Space-A flight or discount airline for cherry blossom season in March and April.
Learn basic Japanese greetings and shopping phrases; locals appreciate the effort and it helps enormously.

Nearby Attractions

Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium (world-class)
Shuri Castle UNESCO World Heritage Ryukyuan palace
East China Sea diving and snorkeling sites
Okinawa northern beaches and Manza Beach
Island hopping to Miyako and Yaeyama Islands

School Liaison Officer

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

Phone: DSN: 634-1321
DSN: 634-1321
Hours: Mon-Fri 7:30am-4:30pm (Japan time)

Moving to Kadena, Okinawa?

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

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Did We Miss Something?

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