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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.

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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.

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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.

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Air Force3,500+ military and family members

RAF Mildenhall

Royal Air Force Mildenhall · Mildenhall, Suffolk, United Kingdom

RAF Mildenhall is home to the 100th Air Refueling Wing operating KC-135 Stratotankers as the primary tanker hub for US Air Forces in Europe. Located in Suffolk, England just 3 miles from RAF Lakenheath, the two bases share a community and offer joint access to amenities, DoDEA schools, and the Suffolk countryside. Mildenhall supports refueling operations across the European and African theaters from this historic airfield that has hosted US forces since World War II.

E-5 BAH: OHA $2,600 (approx)
O-3 BAH: OHA $3,600 (approx)
Avg Home Price: OHA rates apply; typical OHA is $2,600 to $3,900 depending on rank
Branch: Air Force

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Neighborhoods

On-Base Housing (Mildenhall)

Military Housing

OHA covered/mo

Hunt Military Communities manages on-base housing adjacent to the flight line in Mildenhall village.

Mildenhall Town

English Market Town

OHA covered/mo

Small Suffolk market town immediately outside the gate with English pubs, shops, and local character.

Lakenheath Village

English Village

OHA covered/mo

Adjacent village between RAF Mildenhall and RAF Lakenheath; popular with families from both bases.

Newmarket

Racing Town

OHA covered/mo

World-famous horse racing center 10 miles southwest with excellent housing options and a vibrant community.

Schools

Lakenheath American Elementary School (DoDEA)

Grades K-5

Shared DoDEA school for both RAF Mildenhall and Lakenheath families on the Lakenheath installation.

Lakenheath American Middle School (DoDEA)

Grades 6-8

DoDEA middle school serving the combined Mildenhall and Lakenheath military community.

Lakenheath American High School (DoDEA)

Grades 9-12

The shared DoDEA high school for both RAF installations; excellent academics and competitive sports.

Housing Intel

On-Post Housing

Hunt Military Communities manages on-base housing at Mildenhall with reasonable availability.

Off-Post Rental Market

OHA covers off-base English housing. Mildenhall town and surrounding villages are popular and affordable within OHA rates.

Commute

RAF Mildenhall is compact with most services on or near base. DoDEA schools are a short drive to RAF Lakenheath. Most families live within 15 minutes of the gate.

Installation Highlights

Home of the 100th Air Refueling Wing, the USAF tanker hub for all of Europe and Africa
Shares community with RAF Lakenheath providing access to combined base amenities
WWII heritage with the airfield hosting the Mighty Eighth Air Force history
Central Suffolk location with easy access to London, Cambridge, and the English coast
Newmarket horse racing offers a uniquely English cultural experience nearby

Insider Tips

The 100th Air Refueling Wing holds regular Heritage events connecting to WWII Mighty Eighth history worth attending.
Newmarket races are affordable and a quintessential English day out for the whole family.
Cambridge punting on the River Cam is a must-do activity within 30 minutes of the base.
The Bury St Edmunds Christmas market is one of the best in England and is just 20 minutes away.
Budget airlines from Stansted Airport (45 minutes) make European weekend travel extremely affordable.

Nearby Attractions

Cambridge University city and punting on the Cam (25 miles)
Newmarket horse racing and National Stud
Bury St Edmunds historic town center and cathedral
Norfolk Broads waterways (45 miles)
London via Liverpool Street train (90 minutes)

School Liaison Officer

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

Phone: DSN: 238-4444
DSN: 238-4444
Hours: Mon-Fri 7:30am-4:30pm (UK time)

Moving to Mildenhall, Suffolk?

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