West Point (USMA) PCS Guide: BAH, Housing, Schools & Hudson Valley Intel

BLUF (Bottom Line Up Front)

West Point (United States Military Academy) is home to 2,500+ faculty and staff supporting 4,400 cadets. Located in the Hudson Valley 50 miles north of NYC, it offers academy prestige, historic beauty, and NYC proximity—but very expensive housing, high NY state taxes, and unique academy culture.

Key Numbers:

BAH vs. Rent: Tight fit (Hudson Valley rent is expensive—BAH barely covers, expect $200-500/month out-of-pocket)
Median 3BR Rent: $2,200-3,000/month (expensive)
School Quality: Excellent (Cornwall, Monroe-Woodbury 7-9/10 among best in nation)
Deployment Tempo: NONE (academy faculty = stable, no deployments)

What This Guide Covers: Hudson Valley housing with real prices, academy culture intel, NYC commute options, and NY state tax reality.

Quick Facts

Installation Overview:

Official Name: United States Military Academy (USMA), West Point
Location: West Point, NY (Hudson Valley, 50 miles north of NYC)
Size: 16,000 acres (historic campus overlooking Hudson River)
Population: 2,500+ military/civilian faculty & staff + 4,400 cadets
Branch: Army (academy)
Major Units: USMA Directorate of Academics, Commandant's Office, USMA Band, garrison support
Mission: Train and educate Army officer cadets
Climate: Four seasons (hot summers 80-90°F, cold winters 20-40°F, beautiful fall foliage)
Nearest Major City: New York City (50 miles south, 60-90 min drive)

Want real-time data? This guide provides current rates and static intel. For live housing prices, current school ratings, and personalized recommendations, use Base Navigator → (Premium)

BAH Rates

BAH Rates for West Point

Official rates from DFAS (updated annually in our database)

Select Your Rank

BAH rates are updated annually by DFAS. Actual amount depends on your rank, dependency status, and duty station. These rates are tax-free and designed to cover average housing costs in your area.

Key Insight: Hudson Valley rent is expensive—BAH barely covers. E5 BAH ($2,400-2,600) covers Cornwall/Highland Falls ($2,200-2,600) with little buffer. Newburgh ($1,900-2,400) is cheaper but higher crime. Expect to pay $200-500/month out-of-pocket for nicer neighborhoods or larger homes. NY state taxes add $150-300/month burden.

BAH rates sourced from Defense Finance and Accounting Service (DFAS), updated annually. See official source →

Housing Neighborhoods (Ranked)

Top Tier Off-Base (Best Schools, Expensive)

1. Cornwall / Cornwall-on-Hudson (Zip: 12518, 12520)

Distance: 5 miles south (10-15 min via NY-218/NY-9W)
Median 3BR Rent: $2,400-3,000/month
School District: Cornwall Central Schools (8-9/10 - elite, among best in NY)
Why Here: Best schools near West Point, charming Hudson River village, safe
Commute: Shortest (10-15 min via scenic NY-218)
Grocery/Shopping: ShopRite, local shops, Newburgh 15 min
Reality: Best schools in the area (8-9/10 nationally recognized) but rent $2,400-3,000 exceeds BAH by $0-600/month. Worth it for families with school-age kids if you can afford gap. Most West Point families with kids choose Cornwall.

2. Monroe / Kiryas Joel Area (Zip: 10950)

Distance: 10 miles northwest (15-20 min via US-6)
Median 3BR Rent: $2,200-2,800/month
School District: Monroe-Woodbury Central Schools (7-8/10 - strong academics)
Why Here: Excellent schools (7-8/10), newer housing, good value for NY
Commute: US-6 east to West Point—light traffic (15-20 min)
Reality: Good schools (7-8/10), slightly cheaper than Cornwall ($200/month savings), quiet suburban living. Good compromise for families.

Mid-Tier Off-Base (Good Value, Commute 15-25 min)

3. Highland Falls (Zip: 10928)

Distance: Adjacent to West Point (5-10 min via US-9W)
Median 3BR Rent: $2,200-2,600/month
School District: Highland Falls-Fort Montgomery Central (6-7/10 - adequate)
Why Here: Closest town to West Point, shortest commute, military-friendly
Commute: Shortest (5-10 min)
Reality: Closest off-base option (5-10 min commute), military community vibe, schools adequate (6-7/10 but not elite like Cornwall 8-9/10). Good for families OK with decent (not elite) schools or short tours.

4. Newburgh (Zip: 12550, 12551, 12553)

Distance: 10-15 miles north (20-25 min via I-84/NY-9W)
Median 3BR Rent: $1,900-2,400/month
School District: Newburgh Enlarged City Schools (4-6/10 - below average)
Why Here: Cheapest option near West Point, city amenities
Commute: I-84/NY-9W south—moderate traffic (20-25 min)
Reality: Cheapest rent ($1,900-2,400 = BAH covers) but schools are weak (4-6/10) and crime is higher (Newburgh has property/violent crime issues). OK for single soldiers or short tours, NOT ideal for families with school-age kids.

Budget-Friendly Off-Base (Lower Cost, Trade-offs)

5. Middletown (Zip: 10940, 10941)

Distance: 15 miles northwest (25-30 min via US-6/I-84)
Median 3BR Rent: $1,800-2,300/month
School District: Middletown City Schools (5-7/10 - mixed)
Why Here: Cheaper than Cornwall/Monroe, city amenities
Commute: US-6/I-84 east—moderate traffic (25-30 min)
Reality: More affordable ($1,800-2,300) but schools mixed (5-7/10) and commute longer (25-30 min). Good for budget-conscious families OK with adequate schools.

On-Base Housing (Very Limited)

West Point On-Base Housing:

Managed by Balfour Beatty Communities
Very limited (priority: faculty, commandant's staff, senior officers)
500+ units (mostly historic homes, some newer townhomes)
Wait Times: 12-24 months typical (extremely long, varies by rank/position)
Cost: No rent (covered by BAH), utilities included
Pros: No commute (walk to work), historic campus, unbeatable views (Hudson River)
Cons: VERY long wait times (12-24 months), limited availability, historic homes = older construction

Reality: On-base housing is elite—historic campus overlooking Hudson River, no commute, amazing community—but wait times are VERY long (12-24 months). Most faculty go off-base (can't wait 1-2 years). If you get it, it's special.

Avoid These Areas

Downtown Newburgh: High crime (violent + property), weak schools (4-5/10), avoid
Middletown (certain neighborhoods): Higher crime pockets, research carefully

Pro Tip: Prioritize Cornwall (8-9/10 elite schools) or Monroe (7-8/10 strong schools) for families with school-age kids. Highland Falls if short commute matters most. Avoid Newburgh unless budget is extremely tight (crime + weak schools).

Schools

Top School Districts (Off-Base)

Cornwall Central Schools (Elite):

Cornwall Central High School - 9/10 rating - Elite academics, among best in NY state
Reality: Best schools near West Point (8-9/10 nationally recognized). Worth $2,400-3,000 rent if education is top priority for high school kids.

Monroe-Woodbury Central Schools (Strong):

Monroe-Woodbury High School - 8/10 rating - Strong academics, competitive programs
Reality: Excellent schools (7-8/10), slightly cheaper than Cornwall ($2,200-2,800 vs $2,400-3,000).

Highland Falls-Fort Montgomery Central (Adequate):

James I. O'Neill High School - 7/10 rating - Adequate programs, small school
Reality: Decent schools (6-7/10), closest to West Point (5-10 min), military-friendly.

Newburgh Enlarged City Schools (Below Average):

Newburgh Free Academy - 5/10 rating - Large school, below-average test scores
Reality: Weak schools (4-6/10)—avoid if possible. Only choose if budget is extremely tight.

No DoDEA Schools

West Point has no DoDEA schools. All military dependents attend local public schools. This makes choosing the right district critical for school quality.

Pro Tip: New York has elite public schools (Cornwall 9/10 among best in nation). If education is priority, Hudson Valley offers some of best schools in country—but rent is expensive ($2,400-3,000).

Compare school ratings across neighborhoods: Base Navigator → shows real-time school data for Hudson Valley

Local Intel

Cost of Living

Overall: 25% higher vs. national average — Hudson Valley is expensive (NYC metro influence)
Housing: 40% higher vs. national average — Rent is expensive ($2,200-3,000 typical)
Groceries: 15% higher vs. national average — NY grocery prices high
Gas: 10% higher vs. national average — $3.40-4.00/gallon typical

Monthly Budget for E5 with 2 Kids:

Rent (3BR Cornwall): $2,600
Utilities (electric, gas heat, internet, trash): $250 (cold NY winters = high heat bills)
Groceries: $1,000 (NY grocery prices high, commissary essential)
Gas: $250 (short 10-mile daily commute but $4/gallon)
Childcare (if needed): $1,500-2,200/month (daycare) or $0 (on-base CDC wait list 12-18 months)
Misc (dining, entertainment): $500

Total: $6,100/month (with childcare) or $4,600 (without)

BAH Coverage: E5 BAH with dependents (West Point) = ~$2,500/month (2025). BAH covers Cornwall rent ($2,600) but NOT utilities—expect $100-350/month out-of-pocket. Groceries/gas/childcare come from base pay—budget is TIGHT.

Savings Potential: None—expect to break even or pay out-of-pocket. Hudson Valley is NOT a savings assignment.

State Taxes: New York has HIGH state income tax (4-10.9% progressive). Military pay is taxable. E5 with dependents expect $200-400/month withheld (among highest state taxes in US).

Pro Tip: West Point = expensive assignment—rent high, BAH barely covers, NY state taxes brutal ($200-400/month), groceries expensive. Use commissary (saves 20-30%), budget carefully, expect to break even (not save).

Traffic & Commute Reality

AM Rush (0630-0800):

NY-218/NY-9W from Cornwall: Light (10-15 min)
US-6 from Monroe: Light-moderate (15-20 min)
I-84/NY-9W from Newburgh: Moderate (20-25 min)

PM Rush (1600-1730):

NY-218/NY-9W to Cornwall: Light (10-15 min)
US-6 to Monroe: Light-moderate (15-20 min)

NYC Commute (Weekend/Day Off):

West Point to Manhattan: 50 miles, 60-90 min via Palisades Parkway/Henry Hudson Parkway
Reality: NYC is accessible (60-90 min) for weekend trips, Broadway shows, museums, dining. Many West Point families visit NYC monthly.

Pro Tip: Hudson Valley traffic is manageable—not like NYC gridlock. Cornwall (10-15 min) or Monroe (15-20 min) both easy commutes. NYC is 60-90 min for weekend trips.

Academy Culture Reality (CRITICAL)

What "Academy Assignment" Means:

Faculty: Teach cadets (academics, military science, physical education), stable 3-4 year tours, NO deployment
Commandant's Staff: Cadet discipline, military training, leadership development
Garrison Support: Hospital, logistics, admin, finance (like any Army post)
USMA Band: Performance duties, ceremonies, parades

Academy Culture:

Prestige: Serving at USMA = resume builder, elite institution, national recognition
Stable: ZERO deployments (faculty/staff = garrison only)
Cadet-focused: Entire mission is developing future Army officers (ages 18-22)
Tradition: 223 years of history, parades, ceremonies, formal culture
Academic rigor: Faculty often have advanced degrees (MS/PhD), intellectual environment

Quality of Life (Academy-Specific):

✅ ZERO deployments (stable family life, predictable schedules)
✅ Prestige (USMA faculty = elite assignment, career advancement)
✅ Historic campus (gorgeous Hudson River views, West Point fortress 1802)
✅ NYC proximity (60-90 min to Manhattan for culture/dining/entertainment)
✅ Elite schools (Cornwall 9/10 among best in nation)

Challenges (Academy-Specific):

❌ Expensive (rent $2,200-3,000, NY state taxes $200-400/month, groceries high)
❌ Cadet-focused mission (everything revolves around 4,400 cadets, not typical Army post)
❌ Formal culture (parades, ceremonies, Class A uniform common, "on display" for visitors)
❌ Limited career progression (academy tour = stable but may not advance tactical skills)

Pro Tip: Academy assignment is UNIQUE—not like operational Army (no deployment, cadet-focused, formal culture). Best for those who value stability + prestige + education mission. Worst for those who want tactical units or deployment experience.

Commissary & Exchange

West Point Commissary:

Medium-sized, well-stocked (full grocery selection)
Open 7 days/week (0900-1900 weekdays, 0800-1800 weekends)
Save 20-30% vs off-base (NY grocery prices HIGH, commissary essential)

West Point Exchange (PX):

Full-service (electronics, clothing, food court, barber, Class Six)
Gas station (10-15 cents/gallon cheaper than off-base, $4/gallon off-base)

Off-Base Shopping:

ShopRite / Stop & Shop (Cornwall, Newburgh) - Standard NY grocery, expensive
Walmart Supercenter (Middletown 25 min) - Cheapest off-base option
Woodbury Common Premium Outlets (30 min) - Major outlet mall (Nike, Coach, luxury brands)

Reality: Commissary is ESSENTIAL—off-base groceries are 20-30% more expensive (NY prices). Use commissary for big trips, ShopRite for quick runs.

Weather & Climate

Four Seasons (Northeast):

Spring (Mar-May): 50-70°F, rainy, beautiful (dogwoods, cherry blossoms)
Summer (Jun-Aug): 80-90°F, humid (60-80%), thunderstorms
Fall (Sep-Nov): 50-70°F, GORGEOUS (Hudson Valley fall foliage legendary)
Winter (Dec-Feb): 20-40°F, cold, snow (30-50 inches/year)

Hudson Valley Reality:

Fall foliage: Legendary (Hudson Valley = top 10 fall colors in US)
Cold winters: Below freezing common (Dec-Feb), snow 30-50 inches/year, ice storms
Humid summers: 80-90°F + 60-80% humidity = sticky (not as bad as South but noticeable)
Four seasons: Full seasonal change (summer hot, winter cold, spring/fall perfect)

Military Considerations:

Winter driving (snow, ice—budget for winter tires, snow removal)
Heat/AC both needed (cold winters, hot/humid summers)
Beautiful campus (fall foliage, spring blossoms, winter snow = postcard-perfect)

Pro Tip: Hudson Valley = beautiful four seasons—fall foliage is legendary, winter is cold (30-50 inches snow), summer is warm/humid. Budget $200-300/month utilities (heat in winter, AC in summer).

What's It Like to Live at West Point (USMA)?

Academy Faculty Culture & Quality of Life

West Point Mission Reality:
West Point is Army officer training academy—entire mission is developing 4,400 cadets (ages 18-22) into future Army officers. Most military jobs are:

Faculty: Teach cadets (academics, military science, PE), advanced degrees common (MS/PhD)
Commandant's Staff: Cadet discipline, military training, leadership development
Garrison Support: Hospital, logistics, finance, admin (like any Army post)
USMA Band: Ceremonies, parades, concerts

Typical West Point Life:

Faculty: Teach 15-20 hours/week, grade papers, mentor cadets, office hours, research (if PhD)
Stable schedules: 8am-5pm typical (no field training, no deployments, no CQ)
Cadet-focused: Everything revolves around cadets (academic year Aug-May, summer training May-Aug)
Formal culture: Parades, ceremonies, Class A uniform common, "on display" for tourists

Quality of Life (Pros):

✅ ZERO deployments (stable family life, predictable schedules, 3-4 year tour)
✅ Prestige (USMA faculty = elite assignment, resume builder, "I taught at West Point")
✅ Historic campus (16,000 acres, Hudson River views, 223 years of history)
✅ NYC proximity (60-90 min to Manhattan, culture/dining/entertainment)
✅ Elite schools (Cornwall 9/10 among best in nation for military kids)
✅ Intellectual environment (advanced degrees common, research opportunities)

Quality of Life (Cons):

❌ Expensive (rent $2,200-3,000, NY state taxes $200-400/month, BAH barely covers)
❌ Formal culture (parades, ceremonies, uniform, "on display" for visitors)
❌ Cadet-focused (everything revolves around 4,400 cadets, not typical Army post)
❌ Limited tactical progression (academy faculty = not deploying, not leading troops in field)
❌ Long on-base housing wait (12-24 months, most faculty go off-base)

Honest Assessment:
West Point is best for those who value stability + prestige + education mission—ZERO deployments, elite institution, NYC proximity, elite schools for kids—but expensive living, formal culture, and cadet-focused mission are real. Best for: Captains/Majors prioritizing family stability, those with advanced degrees (MS/PhD), families with school-age kids (Cornwall 9/10 schools). Worst for: Those who want tactical units, deployment experience, or cheap living (NY is expensive).

Cost of Living Breakdown

Real Numbers (E5 with Dependents):

Cornwall Example (Best Schools):

Rent: $2,600/month (3BR, 9/10 elite schools)
Utilities: $250/month
Commute: 15 min (gas $250/month)
Groceries: $1,000/month
Childcare: $1,800/month (off-base) or $0 (on-base CDC)
Misc: $500

Total Monthly: $6,400 (with childcare) or $4,600 (without)

Highland Falls Example (Closer, Cheaper):

Rent: $2,300/month (3BR, 7/10 adequate schools)
Utilities: $250/month
Commute: 10 min (gas $200/month)
Groceries: $1,000/month
Childcare: $1,800/month
Misc: $500

Total Monthly: $6,050 (with childcare) or $4,250 (without)

BAH Reality:
E5 BAH with dependents (West Point) = ~$2,500/month (2025). BAH covers Cornwall rent ($2,600) but NOT utilities = $100-350/month out-of-pocket. Highland Falls rent ($2,300) covered + utilities ($250) = break-even.

Savings Potential:

With Childcare: None (break-even or negative)
Without Childcare: Minimal ($0-300/month)

State Income Tax:
New York has HIGH state income tax (4-10.9% progressive). Military pay is taxable. E5 with dependents expect $200-400/month withheld (among highest in US).

Pro Tip: West Point = expensive, NOT a savings assignment. Budget for $200-500/month out-of-pocket (rent gap + NY state taxes). Cornwall elite schools (9/10) worth it if kids are high school age + you can afford gap.

Spouse Employment & Family Life

Job Market Reality

Overview:
Hudson Valley job market is moderate—government, healthcare, education, tourism dominate. Unemployment moderate (4-5%), wages below NYC but above upstate NY.

Top Employers (Spouse-Friendly):

West Point (GS civilian jobs): Admin, IT, HR, logistics ($45K-75K/year) - Limited openings
Orange Regional Medical Center (Middletown): Nursing, admin, medical support ($50K-85K/year)
Cornwall / Monroe-Woodbury School Districts: Teacher, aide ($55K-75K/year) - NY teacher pay higher than most states
Woodbury Common Outlets: Retail, management ($35K-55K/year)
Remote Work: Many NYC employers remote-friendly (commute to Manhattan 60-90 min)

Typical Salaries (Hudson Valley):

Retail/Hospitality: $15-20/hr ($31K-42K/year) - NY minimum wage $15/hr
Office Admin: $20-30/hr ($42K-62K/year)
Registered Nurse: $35-50/hr ($73K-104K/year) - NY nursing pay high
Teacher: $55K-85K/year (NY teacher pay among highest in nation)

Reality Check:
Hudson Valley wages are 10-15% below NYC BUT cost of living is 25% higher than national average—purchasing power is negative. Spouse employment is doable (healthcare, education, remote work) with wages $45K-85K range. Dual income helps bridge BAH gap + NY state taxes.

Childcare Availability

On-Base CDC:

West Point Child Development Center - $800-1,500/month (rank/income based)
Wait List: 12-18 months typical (apply immediately after PCS orders)
Hours: 0630-1730 weekdays

Off-Base Daycare:

Cost: $1,500-2,200/month (full-time, infant/toddler) - NY daycare is EXPENSIVE
Availability: Good—Hudson Valley has many licensed daycares
Quality: Variable (research carefully, check NY licensing)

Pro Tip: On-base CDC saves $700-1,200/month vs off-base BUT wait list is VERY long (12-18 months). Apply day you get PCS orders. Most families use off-base daycare (expensive but necessary).

Family Life & Recreation

What Makes West Point Great for Families:

✅ ZERO deployments (stable family life, 3-4 year tour)
✅ Elite schools (Cornwall 9/10 among best in nation)
✅ Historic campus (gorgeous Hudson River views, West Point fortress 1802)
✅ NYC proximity (60-90 min to Manhattan, world-class culture/dining/entertainment)
✅ Hudson Valley beauty (fall foliage, wineries, hiking, skiing 90 min)

Challenges for Families:

❌ Expensive (rent $2,200-3,000, NY state taxes $200-400/month, groceries high)
❌ Long winters (cold, 30-50 inches snow, heating costs $150-250/month)
❌ Formal culture (parades, ceremonies, Class A uniform, "on display")

Family Activities (Free/Low-Cost):

West Point Museum: Free (military history, weapons, artifacts)
Constitution Island: Free ferry (historic site, Hudson River tours)
Storm King Art Center: $20/adult (outdoor sculpture park, world-renowned)
Hudson River hiking: Free (Breakneck Ridge, Bear Mountain, Appalachian Trail access)

Family Activities (Paid):

NYC day trips: 60-90 min (Broadway shows $50-200, museums $25-30, dining)
Woodbury Common Outlets: 30 min (shopping, 220+ stores)
Mountain Creek Ski Resort: 60 min (skiing/snowboarding $70-100/day)
Hudson Valley wineries: 30-60 min (tours, tastings $15-30)

Common Questions About West Point (USMA)

Q: Is West Point a good duty station?
A: Yes, if you value stability + prestige + elite schools. West Point offers ZERO deployments (stable family life), academy prestige (resume builder), NYC proximity (60-90 min), and elite schools (Cornwall 9/10)—but expensive living (rent $2,200-3,000), high NY state taxes ($200-400/month), and formal academy culture are real. Best for Captains/Majors prioritizing family + education + career prestige. Worst for those wanting tactical units or cheap living.

Q: What's it like being academy faculty?
A: Teaching mission, stable schedules, ZERO deployments. Faculty teach cadets 15-20 hours/week, grade papers, mentor, research (if PhD). Work 8am-5pm typical (no field training, no CQ, no deployments). Formal culture (parades, ceremonies, uniform). Pros: Stable family life, intellectual environment, prestige. Cons: Not tactical units, cadet-focused, formal.

Q: Should I live in Cornwall or Highland Falls?
A: Cornwall for elite schools (9/10), Highland Falls for short commute. Cornwall = $2,400-3,000 rent, 9/10 schools (among best in nation), 10-15 min commute. Highland Falls = $2,200-2,600 rent, 7/10 adequate schools, 5-10 min commute (closest). Most families with high school kids choose Cornwall. Families with young kids or budget-conscious choose Highland Falls.

Q: How expensive is West Point really?
A: VERY expensive—rent $2,200-3,000, NY state taxes $200-400/month (among highest in US), groceries 15% above national average. BAH barely covers rent ($2,500 vs $2,600 Cornwall). Expect $200-500/month out-of-pocket. NOT a savings assignment—budget to break even.

Q: Can my spouse find a job in Hudson Valley?
A: Yes—healthcare, education, remote work. Orange Regional Medical Center (nursing $73K-104K), school districts (teaching $55K-85K), West Point GS jobs ($45K-75K), remote NYC jobs. Wages 10-15% below NYC but higher than national avg. Dual income helps afford expensive living + NY state taxes.

Q: Is NYC really accessible from West Point?
A: Yes—60-90 min drive to Manhattan. Many West Point families visit NYC monthly for Broadway shows, museums, dining, culture. Palisades Parkway/Henry Hudson Parkway = 60-90 min depending on traffic. Weekend trips very doable. NYC Metro-North train from Beacon (30 min north) = $15-25 one-way.

Q: What are the best schools near West Point?
A: Cornwall Central Schools (8-9/10) = elite. Cornwall Central High School (9/10) among best in NY state—Ivy League sends, AP courses, college-prep culture. Worth $2,400-3,000 rent if kids are high school age. Monroe-Woodbury (7-8/10) also excellent, slightly cheaper ($2,200-2,800). Highland Falls (6-7/10) adequate. Newburgh (4-6/10) avoid.

Q: What's the deployment tempo at West Point?
A: ZERO deployments—academy faculty/staff do NOT deploy. This is a garrison assignment focused on training cadets. Expect stable 3-4 year tour with predictable schedules (8am-5pm typical). Best for families needing stability.

Next Steps

Planning Your West Point PCS

1. Choose Neighborhood Based on Schools & Budget
Cornwall (9/10 elite schools, $2,600 rent, 15-min commute) vs Highland Falls (7/10 adequate, $2,300 rent, 5-min commute).

2. Budget for NY State Taxes
New York taxes military pay (4-10.9% progressive). E5 expect $200-400/month withheld—among highest state taxes in US.

3. Apply for On-Base CDC
West Point Child Development Center wait list is 12-18 months—apply day you get PCS orders. Saves $700-1,200/month vs off-base.

4. Calculate Your Budget
Use our PCS Copilot → to generate your custom 180-day timeline with JTR-compliant entitlements and Hudson Valley-specific cost projections.

Based on Joint Travel Regulations (JTR). Official regulations →

5. Understand Academy Mission
West Point is cadet-focused academy—ZERO deployments, teaching mission, formal culture. LES Auditor → ensures your BAH and pay are correct.

6. Ask Questions
Use Ask Military Expert → for specific West Point questions—our AI has 6,539 military knowledge embeddings including academy culture intel.

Official Resources & References

This guide synthesizes data from official Department of Defense sources. For additional information:

Defense Finance and Accounting Service (DFAS) - Official military pay and allowances
Joint Travel Regulations (JTR) - PCS entitlements and regulations
MilitaryOneSource - Free 24/7 counseling and family support
Defense Travel Management Office - Official BAH rates and per diem
West Point Official Site - Academy information, contacts, welcome packets
USMA Admissions - Cadet admissions (if interested for your kids)

Last verified: January 24, 2025. Garrison Ledger is an independent resource and is not affiliated with the Department of Defense.

West Point (USMA) PCS Guide - Housing & Local Intel