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 Force5,000+ military

Minot Air Force Base

Minot AFB · Minot, North Dakota

Minot AFB has a dual nuclear mission with both B-52H Stratofortress bombers and Minuteman III ICBMs, making it one of the most strategically significant bases in the Air Force. Located in north-central North Dakota near Minot, it is famous for its harsh winters (earning the nickname "Why Not Minot, Freezin is the Reason"). Military retirement pay is fully exempt from North Dakota state income tax.

E-5 BAH: $1,272
O-3 BAH: $1,653
Avg Home Price: $235,000
Branch: Air Force

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Neighborhoods

Minot City

Off-Post

$950 to $1,350/mo

Primary community, affordable, North Dakota oil boom brought development, good amenities

Burlington

Off-Post

$850 to $1,200/mo

Small community adjacent to post, convenient commute, very affordable

Minot On-Post

On-Post

On-Post BAH/mo

Managed by Balfour Beatty, on-post housing strongly recommended for first-time visitors managing the climate

Schools

Minot Public Schools

Grades K to 12

Serves the primary military community, experienced with military transitions

Minot State University

Grades University

Located adjacent to base, serving military and spouse education needs

Bishop Ryan Catholic School

Grades K to 12

Private school option with strong academics, popular with some military families

Housing Intel

On-Post Housing

Managed by Balfour Beatty. On-post strongly recommended for families new to the climate. Housing includes quality heating systems for extreme winter conditions.

Off-Post Rental Market

Minot is very affordable. Excellent value for the dollar. North Dakota BAH covers housing well in this market.

Commute

Short commute from Minot or Burlington to the main gate on Highway 83. Most families live within 15 minutes of the gate.

Installation Highlights

Dual nuclear mission: B-52H bombers and Minuteman III ICBMs
North Dakota fully exempts military retirement pay from state income tax
Extraordinary camaraderie from the shared experience of North Dakota winters
Very affordable cost of living, housing stretches significantly further than most bases
Northern Lights visible during winter months

Insider Tips

Embrace the winter, find the humor in it, the community is tighter for it
Vehicle block heaters are standard equipment in North Dakota, install one immediately
Stock your pantry before major winter storms, the plains can isolate quickly
The Northern Lights are stunning, keep your camera ready from September through March
Minot is the Magic City, explore what it has to offer instead of waiting out the assignment

Nearby Attractions

Northern Lights viewing September through March
Lake Sakakawea State Park for fishing and boating
Minot State Fair each summer
Theodore Roosevelt National Park (3 hours west)
Canada border crossing, Winnipeg (3.5 hours)

School Liaison Officer

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

Phone: 701-723-3803
DSN: 453-3803
Hours: Mon to Fri 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Moving to Minot?

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

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Did We Miss Something?

You know things about Minot AFB 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.