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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.

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 Force10,000+ military and family members

Yokota Air Base

Yokota Air Base · Fussa, Tokyo, Japan

Yokota Air Base is the headquarters of Pacific Air Forces and home to the 374th Airlift Wing operating C-130J Hercules aircraft, located in the Tama River valley of the Tokyo metropolitan area about 28 miles west of central Tokyo. Living at Yokota means access to one of the worlds great cities while residing in a relatively affordable western suburb. The assignment combines high-tempo Pacific command responsibilities with unparalleled access to Japanese culture, food, and technology.

E-5 BAH: OHA $2,600 (approx)
O-3 BAH: OHA $4,000 (approx)
Avg Home Price: OHA rates apply; typical OHA is $2,600 to $4,200 depending on rank
Branch: Air Force

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Neighborhoods

On-Base Housing

Military Housing

OHA covered/mo

On-base housing is highly competitive due to proximity to Tokyo; apply immediately upon receiving orders.

Fussa City

Japanese Suburb

OHA covered/mo

City immediately surrounding the base gate with a well-established American-friendly community.

Hamura and Akishima

Japanese Suburb

OHA covered/mo

Adjacent western Tokyo suburbs with authentic Japanese residential neighborhoods and train access.

Hachioji

Tokyo Suburb

OHA covered/mo

Larger city with more shopping and dining; 30 to 40 minute commute to the base but excellent urban amenities.

Schools

Yokota East Elementary School (DoDEA)

Grades K-5

One of two DoDEA elementaries at Yokota serving the large military community.

Yokota Middle School (DoDEA)

Grades 6-8

Strong DoDEA middle school with extensive extracurricular options given the Tokyo metro location.

Yokota High School (DoDEA)

Grades 9-12

Highly regarded DoDEA high school with AP courses and excellent college placement outcomes.

Housing Intel

On-Post Housing

On-base housing is very competitive; waitlists are long due to high demand. Apply on day orders arrive.

Off-Post Rental Market

OHA covers Japanese housing in western Tokyo suburbs. Off-base living in Japanese neighborhoods is an extraordinary cultural experience.

Commute

Yokota is in western Tokyo metro. Most on-base and Fussa residents commute zero to 10 minutes. Tokyo trips via JR Ome Line train take 40 to 60 minutes.

Installation Highlights

Pacific Air Forces headquarters assignment in the Tokyo metropolitan area
C-130J airlift operations supporting Pacific Command missions
Tokyo is 40 minutes by train providing unmatched urban cultural access
Japanese cuisine, technology, and culture immediately outside the gate
Mount Fuji is visible on clear days and reachable in under 90 minutes

Insider Tips

Get a Suica or Pasmo card immediately for seamless train travel throughout the Tokyo metro system.
Japanese train etiquette is important; study it before your first commute into the city.
Mount Fuji climbing season is July and August; go on a weeknight to avoid weekend crowds.
Akihabara electronics district in Tokyo has remarkable prices on cameras, gadgets, and tech gear.
Learn to read hiragana and katakana scripts; it takes a weekend and transforms navigation significantly.

Nearby Attractions

Tokyo city center, Shibuya, Shinjuku, and Asakusa (40 minutes by train)
Mount Fuji climbing and Fuji Five Lakes (90 minutes)
Nikko UNESCO shrines and mountain scenery (2 hours)
Kamakura giant Buddha and coastal temples (90 minutes)
Hakone hot springs and ryokan inns (90 minutes)

School Liaison Officer

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

Phone: DSN: 225-7770
DSN: 225-7770
Hours: Mon-Fri 7:30am-4:30pm (Japan time)

Moving to Fussa, Tokyo?

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Did We Miss Something?

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