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.

Navy5,000+ military and family members

Naval Station Guantanamo Bay

Naval Station Guantanamo Bay · Guantanamo Bay, Cuba

Naval Station Guantanamo Bay, Cuba is one of the most unique duty stations in the US military, a self-contained American community on leased Cuban territory. The installation operates entirely independently with its own utilities, stores, schools, and recreational facilities, since there is no access to surrounding Cuba. Families who embrace the tight-knit community experience outstanding outdoor recreation including beaches, diving, and fishing in the Caribbean.

E-5 BAH: OHA equivalent provided
O-3 BAH: OHA equivalent provided
Avg Home Price: Not applicable; government quarters only
Branch: Navy

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Neighborhoods

Windmill Beach Area

On-base residential

Government quarters provided/mo

Beachside housing area, most desirable on base

Main Base Housing

On-base residential

Government quarters provided/mo

Central location, convenient to NEX and commissary

Villamar Housing

On-base residential

Government quarters provided/mo

Family housing neighborhood, close to schools

Deer Point Area

On-base residential

Government quarters provided/mo

Quiet residential area, wildlife sightings common including iguanas

Schools

GTMO School (DoDEA)

Grades K-12

DoDEA-operated combined school, small classes, strong community involvement

Sherman Avenue Elementary (DoDEA)

Grades K-5

Small DoDEA elementary with dedicated staff

W.T. Sampson School (DoDEA)

Grades 6-12

Middle and high school combined, very small class sizes, college prep

Housing Intel

On-Post Housing

All housing is on base and provided by the government; no off-base housing available

Off-Post Rental Market

Not applicable; no access to surrounding Cuba

Commute

All facilities are on base; there is no off-base community access. Everything is within a short drive or walk on the installation.

Installation Highlights

Completely self-contained American community in a uniquely historic overseas location
Exceptional Caribbean beaches, snorkeling, and diving accessible on base
Iguana and hutia wildlife are abundant and friendly throughout the installation
Extremely tight-knit community with outstanding morale, welfare, and recreation programs
Tax advantages and special pay incentives for serving at a remote overseas location

Insider Tips

Bring everything you think you will need; the NEX and commissary stock basics but selection is limited
Embrace the remote assignment mentally; families who approach GTMO with a positive attitude thrive
Online ordering and Amazon delivery to the APO address is the primary way to get specialty items
The diving and fishing are world-class; invest in gear before arriving
Connections made at GTMO tend to be lifelong due to the intensity of the shared experience

Nearby Attractions

Windmill Beach and Kittery Beach on base
GTMO Bay boat tours and snorkeling excursions
Iguana wildlife viewing throughout the base
Historic Leeward Point airfield area
Outdoor movie theater and MWR recreation facilities

School Liaison Officer

Free support for military families navigating school enrollment, records transfers, and education options near Naval Station Guantanamo Bay.

Phone: DSN 660-4600
DSN: 660-4600
Hours: Mon to Fri 0730 to 1630

Moving to Guantanamo Bay?

Find a verified veteran or military spouse Realtor who knows Naval Station Guantanamo Bay and the local VA loan market.

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Did We Miss Something?

You know things about Naval Station Guantanamo Bay 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.