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.

Navy8,000+ military and family members

MCAS Iwakuni

Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni · Iwakuni, Yamaguchi Prefecture, Japan

Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni is located on the western shore of Honshu in Yamaguchi Prefecture, Japan and serves as the home of Marine Aircraft Group 12 and joint aviation units operating F-35B Lightning II and F/A-18 Hornet aircraft. The installation underwent a major expansion in recent years and now features modern housing, schools, and facilities. Hiroshima is just 30 minutes away and the historic Kintaikyo Bridge is within walking distance of the main gate.

E-5 BAH: OHA: approximately $1,600 to $2,200 based on rank
O-3 BAH: OHA: approximately $2,800 to $3,500 based on rank
Avg Home Price: Not applicable; government quarters and OHA-supported rentals only
Branch: Navy

Build My PCS Plan →

Neighborhoods

On-base housing

Military community

Government quarters provided/mo

Newly constructed housing areas on the expanded base; most families live on base

Iwakuni City

Japanese city

OHA supported off-base option/mo

Living off-base in Japanese neighborhoods is possible but language barrier is significant

Hiroshima Prefecture

Urban Japanese city

OHA supported option/mo

Some families choose to live closer to Hiroshima for city amenities

Shin-Iwakuni Area

Mixed community

OHA supported option/mo

Near the Shinkansen station, convenient for family travel around Japan

Schools

Matthew C. Perry Elementary (DoDEA)

Grades K-5

On-base DoDEA school, excellent programs, strong military community

Matthew C. Perry Middle School (DoDEA)

Grades 6-8

On-base DoDEA school, small class sizes, dedicated faculty

Matthew C. Perry High School (DoDEA)

Grades 9-12

DoDEA high school with strong college prep and Japan enrichment programs

Housing Intel

On-Post Housing

Modern newly constructed on-base housing is the primary option and highly desirable

Off-Post Rental Market

Off-base living requires Japanese language skills or a translator; OHA rates support it

Commute

Most families live on base; the installation is compact and walkable for daily needs.

Installation Highlights

Historic Kintaikyo Bridge, one of the most famous bridges in Japan, is a short walk from the main gate
Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park and Museum provide a profoundly moving historical experience
Japan Rail pass access allows weekend travel to Kyoto, Osaka, Tokyo, and throughout Honshu
F-35B and cutting-edge Marine aviation mission in the strategically vital Pacific theater
Japanese culture, cuisine, and hospitality create a life-changing overseas experience for the whole family

Insider Tips

Learn basic Japanese phrases before arriving; even minimal effort is deeply appreciated by local Japanese neighbors
Get a Japan Rail pass within your first month and use it aggressively for weekend travel throughout Japan
The SOFA status means many purchases and activities interact with Japanese customs and law; read the newcomer guide carefully
Hiroshima A-Bomb Dome and Peace Park should be visited as a family; the experience is historically and emotionally important
Japanese culture has much to teach about discipline, craftsmanship, and community; approach it with genuine curiosity

Nearby Attractions

Kintaikyo Bridge and Iwakuni Castle
Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park and Museum
Miyajima Island and the floating torii gate
Kyoto temples and traditional culture by Shinkansen
Osaka food and entertainment district

School Liaison Officer

Free support for military families navigating school enrollment, records transfers, and education options near Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni.

Phone: DSN 315-253-5455
DSN: 315-253-5455
Hours: Mon to Fri 0730 to 1630 Japan time

Moving to Iwakuni, Yamaguchi Prefecture?

Find a verified veteran or military spouse Realtor who knows Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni and the local VA loan market.

Build My PCS Timeline

Help Us Help the Next Family

Did We Miss Something?

You know things about Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni 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.