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.

Army7,000+ personnel

Rock Island Arsenal

Rock Island Arsenal · Rock Island, Illinois

Rock Island Arsenal sits on an island in the Mississippi River between Illinois and Iowa and is the largest government-owned weapons manufacturing arsenal in the United States. Home to Army Sustainment Command and multiple logistics and acquisition organizations, the Arsenal plays a critical role in equipping the Army. The surrounding Quad Cities metropolitan area spans both sides of the Iowa-Illinois border and offers an affordable, family-friendly Midwestern lifestyle.

E-5 BAH: $1,200
O-3 BAH: $1,527
Avg Home Price: $220,000
Branch: Army

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Neighborhoods

Rock Island

Illinois river city

$900 to $1,300/mo

Adjacent to the island, affordable, diverse community along the Mississippi

Moline

Illinois Quad City

$1,000 to $1,400/mo

Home of John Deere headquarters, good amenities, slightly more upscale than Rock Island

Bettendorf

Iowa Quad City

$1,200 to $1,700/mo

Iowa side of the river, excellent schools, popular with military families

Davenport

Iowa regional city

$1,100 to $1,600/mo

Largest Quad City, good amenities, Mississippi riverfront development

Schools

Moline-Coal Valley School District

Grades K-12

Good Illinois district, improving academics, military-familiar community

Pleasant Valley Community School District

Grades K-12

Serves Bettendorf area, one of Iowa's top-rated districts, popular with military families

Davenport Community Schools

Grades K-12

Large urban Iowa district, mixed performance, more affordable surrounding housing

Housing Intel

On-Post Housing

Limited on-post housing, most personnel live in the surrounding Quad Cities

Off-Post Rental Market

Quad Cities offer excellent affordability compared to most Army locations

Commute

Commutes from the Quad Cities to the Arsenal island vary from 10 to 30 minutes depending on bridge traffic. The two bridges connecting the island to both states can back up during rush hour.

Installation Highlights

Rock Island Arsenal is the Army's premier manufacturing installation and a National Historic Landmark
The Rock Island Arsenal Museum is one of the oldest Army museums in the country
The Mississippi River waterfront on both the Iowa and Illinois sides is beautiful and active
John Deere World Headquarters and museum in Moline is a fascinating American industry destination
Chicago is about 3 hours east for major metropolitan entertainment and culture

Insider Tips

Living on the Iowa side in Bettendorf or Pleasant Valley gets you into an excellent school district
The Quad Cities have a surprisingly vibrant arts and restaurant scene centered on the riverfront
Bridge traffic on the Arsenal bridges can be slow during rush hour, plan your commute
Iowa has no state income tax, a meaningful financial benefit for those living on the Iowa side
The John Deere Pavilion museum in Moline is free and genuinely impressive for engineering enthusiasts

Nearby Attractions

Rock Island Arsenal Museum
Mississippi River waterfront trails
John Deere Pavilion in Moline
Niabi Zoo in Coal Valley
Starved Rock State Park (2 hours east)

School Liaison Officer

Free support for military families navigating school enrollment, records transfers, and education options near Rock Island Arsenal.

Phone: (309) 782-5654
DSN: 793-5654
Hours: Mon-Fri 0800-1600

Moving to Rock Island?

Find a verified veteran or military spouse Realtor who knows Rock Island Arsenal and the local VA loan market.

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Did We Miss Something?

You know things about Rock Island Arsenal 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.