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.

Army10,000+ personnel

USAG Hawaii (Fort Shafter)

U.S. Army Garrison Hawaii · Honolulu, Hawaii

U.S. Army Garrison Hawaii encompasses Fort Shafter, the historic home of U.S. Army Pacific Command, and manages Army installations across Oahu. Fort Shafter is one of the oldest active Army posts in Hawaii, with a historic Palm Circle of officer quarters that dates to the early 1900s and a profound connection to the Pearl Harbor era of World War II. The garrison supports Army senior leadership across the Pacific theater from this beautiful Honolulu location.

E-5 BAH: $3,411
O-3 BAH: $4,257
Avg Home Price: $850,000
Branch: Army

Build My PCS Plan →

Neighborhoods

Salt Lake

Urban Honolulu neighborhood

$2,300 to $3,100/mo

Adjacent to Fort Shafter, convenient, established military community

Aliamanu

Military housing area

$2,400 to $3,200/mo

Military housing community between Fort Shafter and Tripler, family-oriented

Aiea/Pearl City

Honolulu suburban

$2,300 to $3,200/mo

West of Honolulu toward Pearl Harbor, family-friendly, good schools

Manoa

Honolulu valley neighborhood

$2,800 to $3,800/mo

Lush green valley near University of Hawaii, beautiful setting, popular with officers

Schools

Aliamanu Elementary School

Grades K-5

Military-community elementary with consistently strong performance

Radford High School

Grades 9-12

Serves the military housing community, good school with strong sports and activities

Moanalua High School

Grades 9-12

One of Hawaii's top public high schools, close to Fort Shafter, highly recommended

Housing Intel

On-Post Housing

Historic Palm Circle and newer housing areas, managed by Lendlease, high demand

Off-Post Rental Market

Honolulu housing is expensive, BAH is generous but budgeting remains important

Commute

Fort Shafter sits near the H-1 freeway in central Honolulu, connecting most neighborhoods in 15 to 30 minutes. Honolulu morning traffic heading toward Diamond Head or Waikiki can be significant during rush hour.

Installation Highlights

USARPAC headquarters at Fort Shafter coordinates Army operations across the Pacific region
Historic Palm Circle with century-old officer quarters is one of the most beautiful housing areas in the military
Honolulu offers world-class dining, beaches, and cultural events at your doorstep
Pearl Harbor National Memorial is minutes from the installation for a profound historical experience
The Pacific Command mission connects Army leaders to an extraordinary array of international partner nations

Insider Tips

If offered Palm Circle housing, accept immediately, it is among the most sought-after in the military
Get on post housing waitlists the moment your assignment is confirmed
The military community across Oahu is closely connected across all branches at this command level
Plan regular island getaways to the neighbor islands, Maui and the Big Island are extraordinary
Learn about Hawaiian culture and history beyond the base, it enriches the entire assignment

Nearby Attractions

Pearl Harbor National Memorial
Iolani Palace and downtown Honolulu
Diamond Head State Monument
Nuuanu Pali Lookout
Honolulu Museum of Art

School Liaison Officer

Free support for military families navigating school enrollment, records transfers, and education options near U.S. Army Garrison Hawaii.

Phone: (808) 655-0374
DSN: 315-655-0374
Hours: Mon-Fri 0730-1630

Moving to Honolulu?

Find a verified veteran or military spouse Realtor who knows U.S. Army Garrison Hawaii and the local VA loan market.

Build My PCS Timeline

Help Us Help the Next Family

Did We Miss Something?

You know things about U.S. Army Garrison Hawaii 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.