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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.

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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.

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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.

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Air Force1,500+ military and family members

Lajes Field

Lajes Field · Terceira, Azores, Portugal

Lajes Field on Terceira Island in the Portuguese Azores is one of the most unique and isolated assignments in the Air Force, serving as a mid-Atlantic refueling and logistics stop for transatlantic operations. Terceira is a lush volcanic island of 56,000 people in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean with dramatic cliffs, natural hot springs, and Portuguese culture. Families who embrace the isolation find this a profoundly unique experience; those who struggle with remote living find it challenging.

E-5 BAH: OHA $1,200 (approx)
O-3 BAH: OHA $1,800 (approx)
Avg Home Price: OHA rates apply; typical OHA is $1,200 to $2,000 depending on rank
Branch: Air Force

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Neighborhoods

On-Base Housing

Military Housing

OHA covered/mo

On-base housing is the primary option and most popular given the small community size on the island.

Praia da Vitoria

Azorean Town

OHA covered/mo

The closest Azorean town to the base with Portuguese character, cafes, and local markets.

Angra do Heroismo

UNESCO Historic City

OHA covered/mo

Terceira main city and UNESCO World Heritage site with beautiful colonial architecture.

Rural Terceira Countryside

Rural Island

OHA covered/mo

Traditional stone farmhouses in the volcanic highlands; an extraordinary living environment for adventurous families.

Schools

Lajes Elementary School (DoDEA)

Grades K-5

On-base DoDEA elementary; small class sizes allow individualized attention.

Lajes Middle High School (DoDEA)

Grades 6-12

Combined DoDEA school serving grades 6 through 12; very small student body creates family atmosphere.

Portuguese National Schools

Grades K-12

Some families choose Portuguese schools for language immersion; instruction is in Portuguese.

Housing Intel

On-Post Housing

On-base housing is the most common choice. The small base community creates strong bonds among families.

Off-Post Rental Market

OHA covers Portuguese Azorean housing which is very inexpensive. Stone farmhouses and apartments in Angra offer authentic island living.

Commute

Lajes Field is on the northeast coast of Terceira. Praia da Vitoria is minutes away; Angra do Heroismo is 15 minutes. The island is small enough that nothing is far.

Installation Highlights

One of the most unique assignments in the Air Force on a volcanic mid-Atlantic island
Angra do Heroismo is a UNESCO World Heritage city with stunning colonial Portuguese architecture
Natural hot springs, volcanic landscape, and dramatic Atlantic Ocean cliffs
Portuguese culture with affordable fresh seafood, wine, and cheese
Lajes has hosted flights from WWII through present day as a strategic Atlantic anchor

Insider Tips

Embrace the isolation; families who approach Lajes as an adventure have transformative experiences.
Learn Portuguese immediately; it enriches every interaction with the warm Azorean community.
Whale watching tours off Terceira are world-class and an activity unlike anywhere else in the military.
Inter-island travel within the Azores is affordable by ferry or small plane; visit Sao Miguel and Faial.
Shipping container timing is critical at Lajes due to supply chain logistics; plan your household goods carefully.

Nearby Attractions

Angra do Heroismo UNESCO historic city center
Algar do Carvao volcanic cave system on Terceira
Whale watching excursions in the Atlantic
Natural hot springs and volcanic fumaroles
Day trips to Sao Miguel island and Furnas thermal pools

School Liaison Officer

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

Phone: DSN: 535-4150
DSN: 535-4150
Hours: Mon-Fri 7:30am-4:30pm (Azores time)

Moving to Terceira, Azores?

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

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Did We Miss Something?

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