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.

Army3,000+ personnel

Yuma Proving Ground

Yuma Proving Ground · Yuma, Arizona

Yuma Proving Ground is the Army's primary weapons testing installation, evaluating everything from artillery and vehicles to parachute systems in the extreme desert environment of southwestern Arizona. Located near Yuma along the Colorado River near the California and Mexico borders, the installation takes advantage of year-round sunshine and vast uninhabited desert to conduct testing operations. Yuma is a midsized Arizona city with a strong military culture shared with Marine Corps Air Station Yuma.

E-5 BAH: $1,275
O-3 BAH: $1,623
Avg Home Price: $265,000
Branch: Army

Build My PCS Plan →

Neighborhoods

Yuma central

Desert city residential

$1,100 to $1,600/mo

Most personnel live in Yuma, affordable across the city, short commutes

Foothills

Yuma suburban

$1,300 to $1,800/mo

East Yuma suburban area, newer construction, popular with families

San Luis

Border community

$950 to $1,300/mo

Near the US-Mexico border south of Yuma, very affordable, bi-cultural community

Fortuna Foothills

East Yuma suburban

$1,200 to $1,700/mo

East of Yuma proper, quieter suburban character, good family neighborhood

Schools

Yuma Union High School District

Grades 9-12

Serves all of Yuma's high schools, military-familiar due to dual installation presence

Crane Elementary School District

Grades K-8

Serves western Yuma, improving performance, newer facilities in growing areas

Yuma Elementary School District

Grades K-8

Central Yuma district, established schools with military-experienced staff

Housing Intel

On-Post Housing

Limited on-post housing, most personnel live in Yuma

Off-Post Rental Market

Yuma is affordable relative to other Arizona metro areas

Commute

Yuma is compact and most commutes to the proving ground gate are 15 to 30 minutes. The installation is large and driving time on post to specific test areas can add additional distance.

Installation Highlights

YPG tests more Army equipment than any other installation, with world-class range facilities
Yuma is the sunniest city in the United States with over 350 sunny days per year
The Colorado River and Imperial Reservoir provide water recreation in the middle of the desert
Mexico and California are both easily accessible from Yuma for day trips and weekend getaways
Kofa National Wildlife Refuge and Sonoran Desert landscapes offer dramatic outdoor scenery

Insider Tips

Summer temperatures regularly exceed 115 degrees, all outdoor activities must be planned around extreme heat
Winter in Yuma is genuinely spectacular with warm sunny days and cool nights
Rocky Point (Puerto Penasco), Mexico is a popular 2-hour drive for beach weekends
The Yuma Crossing National Heritage Area tells the fascinating history of this desert crossing point
San Diego is about 3 hours west for ocean access and major city recreation

Nearby Attractions

Kofa National Wildlife Refuge
Colorado River State Historic Park
Yuma Crossing National Heritage Area
Rocky Point, Mexico beaches (2 hours)
Imperial Sand Dunes National Recreation Area

School Liaison Officer

Free support for military families navigating school enrollment, records transfers, and education options near Yuma Proving Ground.

Phone: (928) 328-2513
DSN: 899-2513
Hours: Mon-Fri 0800-1600

Moving to Yuma?

Find a verified veteran or military spouse Realtor who knows Yuma Proving Ground and the local VA loan market.

Build My PCS Timeline

Help Us Help the Next Family

Did We Miss Something?

You know things about Yuma Proving Ground 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.