Base & Housing Terms in Plain English

BAH (Basic Allowance for Housing)

A monthly allowance meant to offset housing costs, set by the Department of Defense based on duty ZIP code, rank and dependency status. Rates change annually — look up your current figure on the official Defense Travel Management Office calculator rather than relying on a number from elsewhere.

On-Base Housing

Housing located on the installation itself, typically managed through the base housing office, with its own eligibility and waitlist process separate from buying or renting on the private market.

Privatized Housing

Housing on or near base that's owned and managed by a private company under a military housing partnership, rather than directly by the installation — common at many San Diego-area bases as an alternative to traditional on-base housing.

Commute Zone

Not an official military term, but a useful way to think about it: the realistic range of neighborhoods you'd actually commute from given a specific gate, shift schedule and San Diego traffic patterns — often smaller than a straight-line radius on a map would suggest.

Duty Station

The installation or command you're assigned to. Your duty station is generally what determines your BAH rate and is the starting point for narrowing down where to live.

Gate Access

Which entrance(s) to an installation you'd realistically use day to day — relevant because drive time to a specific gate, not just to the base in general, is what actually affects your commute.

School Liaison Officer

A point of contact at many installations who helps military families navigate school enrollment, transfers and district boundaries — worth reaching out to early if school district is a major factor in your neighborhood decision.

PCS (Permanent Change of Station)

An official move from one duty station to another. See the fuller military move glossary for PCS-specific terms like report date, TLE/TLA and household goods.