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 Force11,000 military and civilian

Scott AFB

Scott Air Force Base · Belleville, Illinois

Scott AFB is headquarters for Air Mobility Command and US Transportation Command, making it one of the most mission-critical bases in the Air Force for global logistics and mobility operations. Located near Belleville, Illinois in the St. Louis metro area, Scott provides exceptional quality of life with access to a major American city directly across the Mississippi River. The region offers outstanding affordability, cultural amenities, and strong military community infrastructure.

E-5 BAH: $1,410
O-3 BAH: $1,800
Avg Home Price: $265,000
Branch: Air Force

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Neighborhoods

O'Fallon

Suburban

$1,300 to $1,800/mo

Top-rated suburb adjacent to Scott with excellent Shiloh-O'Fallon school district and newer homes.

Belleville

Suburban

$1,100 to $1,500/mo

Historic Illinois city directly adjacent to base with affordable housing options.

Shiloh

Suburban

$1,200 to $1,700/mo

Quiet community between Scott and O'Fallon popular for its convenient location and good schools.

Swansea

Suburban

$1,100 to $1,500/mo

Affordable community north of Belleville popular with junior enlisted and NCO families.

Schools

O'Fallon Township High School

Grades 9-12

One of the highest-rated high schools in the Metro East area with strong academics.

Shiloh Village School

Grades K-8

Highly regarded K-8 school in the Shiloh School District popular with military families.

Wolf Branch Elementary

Grades K-5

Excellent elementary school in O'Fallon within one of the region's most sought-after districts.

Housing Intel

On-Post Housing

On-base housing is managed by Balfour Beatty with a mix of family neighborhoods and single-member quarters.

Off-Post Rental Market

The Metro East Illinois market is one of the most affordable near any major command headquarters in the nation.

Commute

O'Fallon and Belleville are 5 to 15 minutes from the gate. Downtown St. Louis is about 25 to 35 minutes west via I-64.

Installation Highlights

AMC and TRANSCOM headquarters with career-building joint and multinational assignments
St. Louis metro access with Cardinals baseball, Blues hockey, and world-class arch monument
Among the most affordable metro area living for any major command headquarters
Strong military community infrastructure with long-tenured support organizations
O'Fallon and Shiloh schools consistently rank among the best in Illinois

Insider Tips

O'Fallon and Shiloh are the top picks for families; the school districts are excellent and homes are affordable.
St. Louis is a world-class city with free museums, outstanding food, and professional sports teams.
The Gateway Arch National Park and riverfront are must-visit landmarks for every family.
Illinois state income tax applies even if you live across the river, so understand your tax filing situation.
Scott's commissary and exchange are large and well-stocked, reducing the need to venture far for groceries.

Nearby Attractions

Gateway Arch National Park in St. Louis
Busch Stadium for Cardinals baseball
Saint Louis Art Museum in Forest Park
City Museum in downtown St. Louis
Cahokia Mounds World Heritage Site

School Liaison Officer

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

Phone: 618-256-5629
Hours: Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Moving to Belleville?

Find a verified veteran or military spouse Realtor who knows Scott Air Force Base and the local VA loan market.

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Did We Miss Something?

You know things about Scott Air Force Base 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.