If you or someone you love just signed a Marine Corps enlistment contract, or you’re still weighing whether to walk into that recruiter’s office, this
TL;DR: Dover Air Force Base is Delaware’s only major active-duty installation and home to the DoD’s largest aerial port and only CONUS port mortuary. This
TL;DR: Hawaii is home to 11 military installations across multiple islands — every branch is represented, and nearly all PCS moves land on Oahu. This
Military Bases in Illinois: 2026 PCS Guide | PCS Pay It Forward TL;DR: Illinois is home to three major active-duty military installations — Naval Station
TL;DR: Arkansas is home to Little Rock Air Force Base — the world’s largest C-130 training installation — plus four other military installations. This guide
TL;DR: Idaho’s military presence is anchored by Mountain Home Air Force Base — the state’s only major active-duty installation and home to the Air Force’s
TL;DR: North Carolina is home to 10+ active military installations across four branches, anchored by Fort Bragg, Camp Lejeune, and Seymour Johnson AFB — making
Last updated: February 2026 | This post is reviewed and updated annually to reflect current state laws and federal protections. PCS Pay It Forward® tracks
Whether you’re gearing up for a PCS move, juggling childcare, or balancing a spouse’s unpredictable schedule, finding stable, meaningful employment can feel tougher than it
TL;DR: Alaska is home to six major military installations across four branches — Army, Air Force, Space Force, and Coast Guard — anchored by Joint
TL;DR: Indiana is home to eight military installations spanning four branches, anchored by the third-largest naval installation in the world at NSA Crane and the
TL;DR: Texas is home to 15 active-duty military installations and more than 118,000 service members, making it the third-largest military state in the country. This
TL;DR: Florida is home to more than 20 active military installations across every branch of service, and it’s one of the most military-friendly states in
TL;DR: Virginia has more military bases than almost any state in the country — and the second-highest active-duty population with over 130,000 service members. Whether
TL;DR: Roughly 200,000 service members leave active duty every year, and the ones who transition well almost always have one thing in common — they
If you’ve received PCS orders, someone has probably told you to “log into DPS Move Mil.” If this is your first move, that phrase alone
This summer, military families and international soccer fans are competing for the same housing — and the clock is already ticking. TL;DR: Kansas City is
Life as a military spouse comes with unique challenges, frequent moves, interrupted careers, and the need to adapt quickly. Thankfully, there’s a wide range of
Everything You Need to Know Before You Ship Out If you’re reading this, you’re probably considering joining the U.S. Space Force, waiting in the Delayed
If you or someone you love just signed on the dotted line to join the United States Navy, congratulations. You’re about to become part of
TL;DR: After 14 years as an Air Force spouse and a 2-year assignment in Germany, Kimberly Johnson shares everything she wishes she’d known about PCSing
If you just got orders to Connecticut, take a deep breath — you’re heading to one of the most unique duty stations in the country.
Summer Camps for Military Kids: Free and Discounted Programs for 2026 If you’re a military parent trying to figure out summer plans, you already know
PCS and Taxes: What Military Families Can Write Off From a 2026 PCS Move TL;DR: Active-duty military members are one of the only groups who
TL;DR: Military families carry more debt and face more financial disruptions than their civilian counterparts — but they also have access to powerful protections like
After a frustrating 2025 PCS season marked by missed delivery windows and inconsistent care, the Department of Defense is launching a permanent Personal Property Activity
Katelyn Hooper is a military spouse, real estate professional, and PCS expert. She has helped thousands of military families navigate PCS housing decisions. Her specialty
PCSing comes with enough moving parts: orders, timelines, school transitions, travel, and the pressure to make decisions fast. Buying a home from another state adds
Why Life After the Military Feels So Hard (Even for High Performers) Life after the military can be one of the most disorienting transitions a
Military Spouse Life: Tips for Staying Strong When Life Feels Out of Control Military spouse life can feel like you’re trying to build stability on
When you’re planning a PCS or TDY, one question comes up fast: How do we get paid back for driving our own car? The answer
When PCS orders come down, most military families feel the same mix of emotions. There’s excitement about what’s next, but there’s also a quiet worry
If you’re staring at PCS orders and wondering whether your household goods are going to blow past your PCS weight allowance, you’re not alone. For
Why 2026 Is Such a Big Year for Your Family If a Disney cruise has been on your family’s bucket list, 2026 is a smart
Moving into a new home is always a mix of exhaustion, excitement, and chaos, but when that move is a PCS (Permanent Change of Station),
TL;DR: Colorado is home to six major military installations — one Army post and five Space Force and Air Force installations — all concentrated in
Military Bases in California: 2026 PCS Guide TL;DR: California is home to more than 30 major military installations — the most of any state —
PCS Guide to Military Bases in Alaska: What Life Really Looks Like in the Last Frontier Receiving PCS orders to Alaska feels like stepping into
Military families shouldn’t have to choose between rent and dinner. Yet food insecurity continues to affect a significant share of the force, especially around PCS
PCS Guide to Colorado Military Bases: Navigating New Beginnings Moving to Colorado for a PCS brings a swirl of emotions that every military family understands.
“Why be lonely.” Laurie Mefford, Military Spouse of 17 years, gives her secrets to making friends fast at your next base!
Moving, buying, and settling in is enough stress, tax season shouldn’t add to it. This quick, friendly guide breaks down the tax write-offs for military
What Is a VA Construction Loan? Building a Home With Your VA Loan Explained Navigating the VA construction loan process can initially seem like trying
VA Home Loan Program Reform Act: What It Means for PCS Moves and Military Homeowners Military life is full of transitions, and PCS moves often
Military Spouse Scholarships and Grants: How to Find the Right Support for Your Education The new year will be here soon. If your goal
Navigating the Job Hunt as a Military Spouse Stacks of half-finished job applications sit across the dining table, each one reminding you how challenging the
Understanding Your 2026 Military Pay Rates As you stand in uniform, anticipation mingles with uncertainty. You’ve sent countless emails, navigated complex logistics, and survived the
PCS orders are coming, and one of the first questions on every military family’s mind is: How much BAH will I get at my next
Your 2026 Ultimate PCS Binder & Checklist: The Only Moving Organizer You Need If you just received PCS orders and your brain is already spinning
Pet Friendly Housing Challenges Near Military Bases One of the most overlooked difficulties of PCSing with pets is finding suitable housing near your new duty