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.

Air Force2,800 active duty

Laughlin AFB

Laughlin Air Force Base · Del Rio, Texas

Laughlin AFB is home to the 47th Flying Training Wing operating the T-6A Texan II for primary pilot training, producing more military pilots than any other installation in the nation. Located in Del Rio in southwest Texas on the US-Mexico border, Laughlin is a remote duty station that fosters an exceptionally close-knit pilot training community. Del Rio is a bilingual, bicultural border city with Amistad National Recreation Area, one of Texas' premier lake and wildlife destinations, right on the doorstep.

E-5 BAH: $1,110
O-3 BAH: $1,440
Avg Home Price: $175,000
Branch: Air Force

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Neighborhoods

Del Rio

Small City

$850 to $1,200/mo

The primary community surrounding Laughlin with affordable bilingual border-city housing.

San Felipe Del Rio

Suburban

$850 to $1,200/mo

Residential areas in the broader Del Rio community with newer home construction options.

Brackettville

Small Town

$700 to $1,000/mo

Small community 30 miles east with very low prices for those seeking rural Hill Country living.

Ciudad Acuna, MX

International

N/A/mo

Mexican sister city across the Rio Grande; border crossing for dining and shopping is common.

Schools

Del Rio High School

Grades 9-12

Primary high school for the Del Rio community with bilingual programs for border students.

San Felipe Memorial Middle School

Grades 6-8

Middle school in the San Felipe Del Rio Consolidated ISD serving military families.

Garfield Elementary

Grades K-5

Elementary school convenient to off-base family housing areas in Del Rio.

Housing Intel

On-Post Housing

On-base housing managed by Balfour Beatty is well-maintained and popular given limited quality off-base options.

Off-Post Rental Market

Del Rio housing is affordable but quality options are limited; on-base is frequently recommended for families.

Commute

Del Rio neighborhoods are 5 to 15 minutes from the main gate. There is minimal traffic in the area.

Installation Highlights

Produces more rated pilots per year than any other base in the United States Air Force
Amistad National Recreation Area with world-class bass fishing, scuba diving, and desert hiking
Texas no state income tax maximizes earnings in a very remote but mission-intense assignment
Tight pilot training community with an exceptional camaraderie among student and instructor pilots
Unique border culture with easy access to Ciudad Acuna for authentic Mexican food and character

Insider Tips

Apply for on-base housing immediately; the quality is higher than most off-base options in Del Rio.
Amistad Reservoir has world-renowned largemouth bass fishing; fishing licenses and gear are essential gear here.
San Antonio is 2.5 hours east and a frequent weekend destination for shopping, dining, and the River Walk.
The pilot training schedule is intense; build a strong support network before training begins.
Summers are extremely hot at 100-plus degrees; shade and hydration are non-negotiable from May through September.

Nearby Attractions

Amistad National Recreation Area and Reservoir
Seminole Canyon State Park and Historic Site
Ciudad Acuna, Mexico for border dining and markets
Devils River State Natural Area
Langtry and the Judge Roy Bean Visitor Center

School Liaison Officer

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

Phone: 830-298-5528
Hours: Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Moving to Del Rio?

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

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Did We Miss Something?

You know things about Laughlin Air Force Base 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.