U.S. Army
Hunter Army Airfield — Fort Stewart, GA, United States
📍 Fort Stewart, GA, United States
⭐ 4.1/5 community rating · Rated by Soldiers and families
About Hunter Army Airfield
Hunter Army Airfield is the aviation component of Fort Stewart, home to the 3rd Combat Aviation Brigade supporting the 3rd Infantry Division — the Rock of the Marne. Located in Savannah, Georgia, Hunter provides the Savannah area with an aviation mission and additional employment for the substantial coastal Georgia military community. Savannah — one of America's most beautiful and historic cities — surrounds Hunter Army Airfield, offering exceptional dining, cultural events, Spanish moss-draped squares, and the charm of the Low Country. This is among the most genuinely desirable geographic assignments in the Army, particularly for families who appreciate Southern culture and coastal living. The Savannah metro area provides a range of housing options from the city's historic Victorian neighborhoods to newer developments in Richmond Hill, Pooler, and Effingham County. BAH rates support comfortable off-post housing throughout the metro area, and the cost of living is below the national average. Georgia's humid subtropical climate features hot, humid summers and mild winters. The Georgia coast's barrier islands — Tybee Island (15 minutes), Hilton Head (45 minutes), Jekyll Island (90 minutes) — provide world-class beach recreation. Savannah's port-driven economy, growing tech sector, hospitality industry, and Gulfstream Aerospace plant provide excellent employment for military spouses and transitioning veterans. BaseNeed connects Hunter Army Airfield families with Savannah-area housing, current BAH rates, and the coastal Georgia military aviation community.
Hunter Army Airfield at a Glance
Location: Fort Stewart, GA 31314, United States.
Branch & command: U.S. Army, FORSCOM.
Active-duty military: 5,709 (source undated, retrieved August 2026).
On-base housing: Moderate, typical wait 3-5 months.
Cost-of-living index: 92.80 (100 = U.S. average).
Climate: Humid subtropical.
Nearby cities: Savannah, Pooler, Garden City, Port Wentworth.
Base operator: (912) 767-8000.
2026 BAH Rates for Hunter Army Airfield
The figures below are the 2026 Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) rates for the military housing area covering Hunter Army Airfield, published by the DoD (DTMO) and effective 1 January 2026. Amounts are monthly and tax-free, shown with and without dependents.
| Pay grade | With dependents | Without dependents |
|---|---|---|
| E-1 to E-4 | $2,175 | $1,791 |
| E-5 | $2,310 | $1,947 |
| E-6 | $2,439 | $2,049 |
| E-7 | $2,493 | $2,178 |
| E-8 | $2,556 | $2,340 |
| E-9 | $2,682 | $2,367 |
| W-1 | $2,454 | $2,142 |
| W-2 | $2,520 | $2,337 |
| W-3 | $2,601 | $2,376 |
| W-4 | $2,715 | $2,442 |
| W-5 | $2,859 | $2,508 |
| O-1 | $2,334 | $2,037 |
| O-2 | $2,436 | $2,268 |
| O-3 | $2,598 | $2,385 |
| O-4 | $2,904 | $2,490 |
| O-5 | $3,129 | $2,520 |
| O-6 | $3,153 | $2,577 |
| O-7 | $3,174 | $2,619 |
Confirm your exact entitlement with the official DTMO BAH calculator before signing a lease.
Quick Facts about Hunter Army Airfield
- Branch & location
- U.S. Army · Fort Stewart, GA, United States
- 2026 BAH (E-5)
- $2,310/mo with deps · $1,947 without
- Cost of living
- Index 92.8 — below average
- Climate
- Humid subtropical
- Off-base housing
- moderate
- Nearest VA facility
- Savannah Mobile Vet Center (~2 mi)
PCS to Hunter Army Airfield — Complete 2026 Guide
Permanent Change of Station (PCS) to Hunter Army Airfield requires planning that most Soldiers start 90–120 days before their report date. The key areas to tackle first are housing (on-base vs. off-base), BAH calculation, school enrollment for children, and spouse employment. This guide walks you through each step.
Step 1: Understand Your Orders and Timeline
Your PCS orders to Hunter Army Airfield will specify your Report No Later Than (RNLTD) date — your primary planning anchor. From this date work backwards: HHG shipment scheduling (DPS at move.mil) should happen at least 30–45 days out; housing research should begin immediately. Contact your losing unit S1 or PSD to initiate your out-processing checklist as soon as orders are in hand. Request a sponsor from your gaining unit — most U.S. Army units assign one who can answer installation-specific questions and help your family settle in before you arrive.
Step 2: Calculate Your 2026 BAH and Set a Housing Budget
Your 2026 BAH for Fort Stewart, GA is your housing budget ceiling. E-5 with dependents: $2,310/month. E-5 without dependents: $1,947/month. E-7 with dependents: $2,493/month. O-3 with dependents: $2,598/month. BAH is fully tax-free and determined by your pay grade and dependency status. In this below average area, Fort Stewart, many service members find their BAH exceeds actual rent — meaning you can save the difference tax-free each month. Use the BaseNeed BAH Calculator to compare rates across all pay grades.
Step 3: On-Base vs. Off-Base Housing Decision
Start your housing search 60-90 days before your report date. The off-base rental market is active, and the best properties at BAH rates are claimed quickly. Current on-base wait: approximately 3-5 months. Apply for on-base housing immediately after receiving orders — even if you lean toward off-base, maintaining a waitlist position keeps all options open. Browse verified housing listings near Hunter Army Airfield on BaseNeed, filtered to your BAH rate and preferred communities.
Step 4: Schools, Childcare, and Family Resources
Contact the School Liaison Officer (SLO) at Hunter Army Airfield early — they specialize in school enrollment, record transfers, and finding the right educational fit for military-connected students at every grade level. DoDEA schools (if available on-base) offer curriculum continuity across PCS moves. For childcare, the Child Development Center (CDC) on base provides subsidized, high-quality care — waitlists can be 6–12 months, so register immediately after receiving orders. The Family Support Center offers free spouse employment assistance, financial counseling, and PCS transition workshops for the whole family.
Step 5: Schedule Your HHG Shipment and Travel
Book your Household Goods (HHG) shipment through DPS (move.mil) as early as possible — peak PCS season (May–August) fills carrier capacity quickly. Options include a full government move, a Personally Procured Move (PPM/DITY), or a combination. Pack a "first-night box" with essentials — documents, medications, toiletries, and a change of clothes per family member — separately from your main shipment. Photograph all valuables before the move and file claims promptly for any damage discovered at delivery. Carriers are required to honor claims within the timeframe specified in your Bill of Lading.
Step 6: In-Process at Hunter Army Airfield
Upon arrival, complete garrison in-processing at the welcome center. Required stops typically include finance (to activate BAH and other allowances), medical and dental records transfer, vehicle registration, ID card office, and your unit S1 or PSD. Bring multiple copies of your orders, all ID cards, medical records, vehicle title, and signed housing paperwork. Most installations complete full in-processing in 2–5 business days. Your unit sponsor can walk you through installation-specific requirements and help your family get oriented faster.
Housing & Cost of Living — Hunter Army Airfield
The 2026 Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) for Fort Stewart, GA ranges from $1,947/month for junior enlisted without dependents to $2,598/month for mid-grade officers with dependents. All BAH is 100% tax-free income. Good availability — start your search 30-60 days early. On-base wait: ~3-5 months.
Open BAH Calculator → Browse Housing Near Hunter Army Airfield →
More useful BaseNeed resources
Use these quick links to continue your PCS planning, compare BAH, and explore local military community support.
2026 BAH Rate Table — Hunter Army Airfield (Fort Stewart, GA)
E-5 with dependents: $2,310/mo | Without dependents: $1,947/mo
| Pay Grade | With Dependents | Without Dependents |
|---|---|---|
| E-1 | $2,175/mo | $1,791/mo |
| E-2 | $2,175/mo | $1,791/mo |
| E-3 | $2,175/mo | $1,791/mo |
| E-4 | $2,175/mo | $1,791/mo |
| E-5 | $2,310/mo | $1,947/mo |
| E-6 | $2,439/mo | $2,049/mo |
| E-7 | $2,493/mo | $2,178/mo |
| E-8 | $2,556/mo | $2,340/mo |
| E-9 | $2,682/mo | $2,367/mo |
| W-1 | $2,454/mo | $2,142/mo |
| W-2 | $2,520/mo | $2,337/mo |
| W-3 | $2,601/mo | $2,376/mo |
| W-4 | $2,715/mo | $2,442/mo |
| W-5 | $2,859/mo | $2,508/mo |
| O-1 | $2,334/mo | $2,037/mo |
| O-1E | $2,502/mo | $2,307/mo |
| O-2 | $2,436/mo | $2,268/mo |
| O-2E | $2,586/mo | $2,361/mo |
| O-3 | $2,598/mo | $2,385/mo |
| O-3E | $2,736/mo | $2,427/mo |
| O-4 | $2,904/mo | $2,490/mo |
| O-5 | $3,129/mo | $2,520/mo |
| O-6 | $3,153/mo | $2,577/mo |
| O-7 | $3,174/mo | $2,619/mo |
Source: DFAS 2026 BAH rates for Fort Stewart, GA. Rates are 100% tax-free and updated each January 1st. BAH is designed to cover the 80th percentile of local housing costs.
Cost of Living at Hunter Army Airfield
The cost of living index near Hunter Army Airfield is 92.8 — 7% below the U.S. national average (100 = national average). This places Fort Stewart, GA in the below average category. Cost of living is 7% below the U.S. national average.
At 92.8, service members here often find meaningful savings on housing, groceries, and everyday expenses compared to higher-cost installations. This is one of the better duty stations for building savings or paying down debt during a tour.
Climate & Lifestyle near Hunter Army Airfield
The climate near Hunter Army Airfield is Humid subtropical. Factor seasonal weather patterns into your PCS timing and housing search. High humidity in summer months is common — prioritize housing with efficient HVAC and ensure your HHG shipment is protected from moisture.
Outdoor recreation and quality-of-life activities vary significantly by season at this installation. Connect with Soldiers already stationed at Hunter Army Airfield on BaseNeed's community to get first-hand lifestyle insights.
On-Base Amenities at Hunter Army Airfield
As a U.S. Army installation, Hunter Army Airfield provides comprehensive on-base facilities for Soldiers, retirees, and eligible family members. These subsidized services significantly reduce cost of living compared to civilian alternatives — one of the major financial benefits of military service.
🍽️ Dining & Clubs
- • Food Court
- • Officers Club
- • NCO Club
- • Coffee Shop
💪 Fitness & Recreation
- • Physical Fitness Center
- • Indoor Pool
- • Outdoor Track
- • CrossFit Box
🏨 On-Base Lodging
- • IHG Army Hotels
- • Guest House
- • Distinguished Visitor Quarters
🤝 Support Services
- • Army Community Service (ACS)
- • Chapel
- • Legal Assistance
- • Military OneSource
🛒 Shopping & Commissary
- • Commissary
- • Post Exchange (PX)
- • Shoppette
- • Class Six
🏥 Healthcare
- • Army Health Clinic
- • Dental Clinic
- • Pharmacy
- • Optometry
🎳 Recreation & Library
- • Post Library
- • Outdoor Recreation
- • Auto Skills Shop
- • Bowling Center
- • Arts & Crafts Center
👨👩👧 Family Services
- • Child Development Center
- • Youth Center
- • School Liaison Office
- • Teen Center
Military Community & Spouse Employment at Hunter Army Airfield
The military community around Hunter Army Airfield is one of the installation's greatest assets. Connecting with other Soldiers and families before your PCS move smooths the transition — especially for spouses and children adjusting to a new duty station. Use BaseNeed's community features to connect with families currently at Hunter Army Airfield, ask questions about local schools and neighborhoods, and find PCS buddies going through the same process.
Military spouse employment near Hunter Army Airfield is supported by the Spouse Employment Assistance Program (SEAP) at the installation Family Support Center. Resources include resume workshops, job search tools, licensing and certification support, and connections to military-friendly employers in Fort Stewart. Federal employment via USAJOBS offers Military Spouse Hiring Preference (Executive Order 13473), and many contractors on and near the installation actively recruit military spouses. Remote and hybrid work has also become a popular solution for location-flexible employment across PCS moves.
→ Browse jobs near Hunter Army Airfield · → Join the Hunter Army Airfield community on BaseNeed
Nearby Communities & Off-Base Living
Service members at Hunter Army Airfield live in a range of communities surrounding the installation. Each neighborhood offers different commute times, school districts, and housing prices. Explore housing options in these areas:
Why Hunter Army Airfield Stands Out
- Coastal Access
- 3rd Infantry Division
- Family Housing
- Aviation & Ground Operations
Other Military Bases in GA
Comparing duty stations in GA? Browse other installations:
- → Fort Stewart (Hinesville)
- → Fort Benning (Columbus)
- → Robins AFB (Warner Robins)
- → Moody AFB (Valdosta)
- → Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay (Kings Bay)
- → Marine Corps Logistics Base Albany (Albany)
Other U.S. Army Installations
Exploring other U.S. Army duty stations? Compare BAH rates and housing conditions:
- → Joint Base Lewis-McChord (Tacoma, WA)
- → Fort Carson (Fort Carson, CO)
- → Felker Army Airfield (Fort Eustis, VA)
- → Allen Army Airfield (Fort Greely, AK)
- → Cairns Army Airfield (Fort Rucker, AL)
- → Wheeler Army Airfield (Schofield Barracks, HI)
VA Facilities Near Hunter Army Airfield
Veterans, retirees, and eligible family members stationed at or transitioning near Hunter Army Airfield have 5 Department of Veterans Affairs facilities within reach — for VA healthcare enrollment (Form 10-10EZ), disability claims, education benefits, and counseling. Distances are from the installation.
| VA Facility | Type | Location | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Savannah Mobile Vet Center 912-961-5800 | vet_center | Savannah, GA | 2 mi |
| Savannah VA Clinic 843-577-5011 | Multi-Specialty CBOC | Savannah, GA | 2 mi |
| Savannah Vet Center 912-961-5800 | vet_center | Savannah, GA | 2 mi |
| Savannah Veteran Readiness and Employment Office 912-355-1128 | Veteran Readiness and Employment Office | Savannah, GA | 3 mi |
| John Gibson, Dan James, William Sapp, and Frankie Smiley VA Clinic 843-577-5011 | Multi-Specialty CBOC | Hinesville, GA | 28 mi |
Source: U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA.gov) facilities directory, synced monthly. Verify hours and services with the facility before visiting.
Frequently Asked Questions — Hunter Army Airfield
What is the 2026 BAH rate at Hunter Army Airfield?
For 2026, monthly BAH at Hunter Army Airfield ranges from $2,175 with dependents ($1,791 without) for junior enlisted (E-1 to E-4) up to $2,682 for an E-9 with dependents. For example, an E-5 with dependents receives $2,310, an E-7 with dependents $2,493, and an O-3 with dependents $2,598. Rates are tax-free and effective 1 January 2026 — confirm your exact figure with the DTMO BAH calculator.
Does Hunter Army Airfield get BAH or OHA?
Hunter Army Airfield is a stateside (CONUS) installation, so you receive Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) based on your pay grade and dependency status — not the Overseas Housing Allowance (OHA) used at bases abroad.
How long is the wait for on-base housing at Hunter Army Airfield?
On-base family housing at Hunter Army Airfield is currently moderate, with typical wait times around 3-5 months. Apply through homes.mil as soon as your orders are cut, and keep an off-base backup plan ready since demand is often high.
Is it expensive to live near Hunter Army Airfield?
The local cost-of-living index near Hunter Army Airfield is about 92.80 (100 = national average). Build your housing budget around your BAH and compare on-base versus off-base options before committing.
What cities are near Hunter Army Airfield?
Hunter Army Airfield is close to Savannah, Pooler, Garden City, Port Wentworth, where many families look for off-base housing, schools, and amenities.
PCSing to Hunter Army Airfield?
BaseNeed is the military community platform built for U.S. Army families. Find verified housing listings, current 2026 BAH rates, local jobs, and connect with Soldiers already stationed at Hunter Army Airfield.
Explore Hunter Army Airfield on BaseNeed → Browse Housing →Join the Hunter Army Airfield community to ask PCS questions, share local tips, and connect with families stationed here.