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 Force3,700 active duty

Malmstrom AFB

Malmstrom Air Force Base · Great Falls, Montana

Malmstrom AFB is home to the 341st Missile Wing, responsible for operating Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missiles spread across 23,000 square miles of Montana. Great Falls is a mid-sized Montana city on the Missouri River at the base of the Rocky Mountain Front, offering stunning natural scenery and a genuinely tight community of missileers and support personnel. Big Sky Country delivers unparalleled outdoor recreation and a slower pace of life that many find deeply satisfying.

E-5 BAH: $1,170
O-3 BAH: $1,500
Avg Home Price: $240,000
Branch: Air Force

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Neighborhoods

Great Falls

Small City

$900 to $1,300/mo

The primary community surrounding the base with affordable housing options for all budgets.

Black Eagle

Small Town

$750 to $1,100/mo

Small residential community northeast of Great Falls with very low rental prices.

Cascade

Small Town

$700 to $1,000/mo

Rural community south of Great Falls popular with those seeking a countryside setting.

Vaughn

Rural

$700 to $1,000/mo

Very small community west of Great Falls ideal for those wanting land and rural living.

Schools

Great Falls High School

Grades 9-12

One of two main high schools in Great Falls with solid academics and strong athletic programs.

C.M. Russell High School

Grades 9-12

Named for the famous Montana artist, this school is a top choice in the Great Falls district.

Riverview Elementary

Grades K-5

Neighborhood elementary school serving families in the Great Falls area near base.

Housing Intel

On-Post Housing

On-base housing is managed by Balfour Beatty and is well-maintained with quick availability in most seasons.

Off-Post Rental Market

Great Falls is extremely affordable; a family can purchase a nice home well within BAH for most ranks.

Commute

Great Falls is 5 to 15 minutes from the base. Missile field duties involve extended drives to launch control facilities across rural Montana.

Installation Highlights

Minuteman III ICBM wing with a mission-focused and cohesive crew community
Dramatic Rocky Mountain Front scenery with Glacier National Park within driving distance
Some of the most affordable cost of living near any Air Force base
World-class hunting, fishing, and hiking on Montana's vast public lands
Tight-knit community where neighbors truly look out for each other

Insider Tips

Montana winters are serious; invest in quality cold-weather gear for you and your vehicle.
Glacier National Park is about 2.5 hours away and absolutely worth a summer or fall visit.
The community is small and incredibly supportive; friendships formed here tend to last a military career.
Hunting and fishing licenses in Montana are affordable and access to public land is unparalleled.
The Electric City Water Park in Great Falls is a beloved summer destination for military families.

Nearby Attractions

Glacier National Park
Giant Springs State Park and Missouri River
C.M. Russell Museum in Great Falls
Gates of the Mountains Wilderness on the Missouri River
Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail interpretive sites

School Liaison Officer

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

Phone: 406-731-4182
Hours: Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Moving to Great Falls?

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

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