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 Force8,000 active duty and international students

Sheppard AFB

Sheppard Air Force Base · Wichita Falls, Texas

Sheppard AFB is home to the 82nd Training Wing, the largest combat training wing in the Air Force, responsible for training technicians in over 100 career fields. It also hosts the prestigious Euro-NATO Joint Jet Pilot Training program, bringing NATO allied pilots from across Europe to train alongside American counterparts. Located in Wichita Falls in north Texas, the base drives the regional economy and provides a welcoming small-city setting with Texas hospitality.

E-5 BAH: $1,170
O-3 BAH: $1,500
Avg Home Price: $185,000
Branch: Air Force

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Neighborhoods

Wichita Falls

Small City

$900 to $1,300/mo

Primary community surrounding the base with a wide range of affordable housing options.

Iowa Park

Small Town

$800 to $1,100/mo

Quiet community west of Wichita Falls adjacent to the base perimeter with lower prices.

Burkburnett

Small Town

$750 to $1,100/mo

Oil patch community north of Wichita Falls on the Oklahoma border with affordable family homes.

Holliday

Small Town

$750 to $1,000/mo

Rural community southeast of Wichita Falls popular with those seeking land and space.

Schools

Rider High School

Grades 9-12

Wichita Falls ISD high school popular with military families for its academic and athletic programs.

Hirschi High School

Grades 9-12

Second WFISD high school option convenient to north and west Wichita Falls.

Zundy Elementary

Grades K-5

Elementary school in Wichita Falls serving the military family community near the installation.

Housing Intel

On-Post Housing

On-base housing managed by Balfour Beatty accommodates both American and NATO international families.

Off-Post Rental Market

Wichita Falls is one of the most affordable markets near any major Air Force training installation.

Commute

Wichita Falls neighborhoods are 5 to 15 minutes from the main gate. Iowa Park is directly adjacent. Burkburnett is about 15 minutes north.

Installation Highlights

Largest combat training wing in the Air Force training technicians across 100-plus career fields
Euro-NATO Joint Jet Pilot Training brings an international community from across the alliance
Texas has no state income tax, maximizing take-home pay
Very affordable cost of living near one of the Air Force's major training hubs
Midwestern warmth with Texas hospitality creates a genuinely welcoming community

Insider Tips

The Euro-NATO community creates a genuinely diverse and internationally flavored social scene on base.
Wichita Falls Sheppard AFB Marathon is a beloved annual event drawing runners from across the military.
Dallas-Fort Worth is about 2 hours south for major shopping, entertainment, and DFW airport access.
Texas summers are genuinely hot; budget extra for electricity and plan outdoor activities before 10 a.m.
Lake Arrowhead State Park is a local treasure for fishing, camping, and water sports just minutes away.

Nearby Attractions

Lake Arrowhead State Park
Wichita Falls Museum and Art Center
Wichita Falls Railroad Museum
Lake Kickapoo for fishing and outdoor recreation
Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge in Oklahoma, 1 hour north

School Liaison Officer

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

Phone: 940-676-2567
Hours: Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

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