PCS to Little Rock AFB Checklist 2026 | Military Move Guide

PCS to Little Rock AFB 2026: Complete Checklist and Housing Guide

Receiving orders to Little Rock Air Force Base in Jacksonville, Arkansas? This comprehensive PCS checklist covers everything you need to know — from initiating housing to enrolling kids in school — so your move to Central Arkansas goes smoothly.

Ashley Watters is a REALTOR® and military relocation specialist. She works with PCS families remotely and in-person. Call (501) 951-9200 or start your search here.

About Little Rock Air Force Base

• Location: Jacksonville, Arkansas (Pulaski County, 17 miles northeast of downtown Little Rock)
• Mission: Home of the 19th Airlift Wing — the largest C-130 training base in the world
• Personnel: ~7,000 active duty, civilian, and contractor personnel
• On-base facilities: BX, commissary, fitness center, chapel, schools (DoD-adjacent), outdoor recreation, Dillard Army Health Clinic

PCS Timeline: What to Do and When

120–90 Days Before Move (Upon Receiving Orders)

• ☐ Contact the 19th Airlift Wing Airman and Family Readiness Center (AFRC) for sponsorship program
• ☐ Start researching on-base vs off-base housing — see our full housing guide
• ☐ Check 2026 BAH rates for your rank to know your housing budget
• ☐ Contact Ashley Watters for remote home search assistance — many families go under contract before they arrive
• ☐ Research school options: Cabot, Jacksonville-North Pulaski, Conway, or Bryant
• ☐ Request housing office waitlist information for on-base (Hunt Military Communities manages LRAFB housing)
• ☐ Begin VA loan pre-approval if planning to purchase (no down payment required)

90–60 Days Before Move

• ☐ Finalize buy vs rent decision based on tour length and financial goals
• ☐ If buying: get pre-approved with VA lender, select target communities, begin active home search with Ashley
• ☐ If renting: research rental communities near LRAFB; Ashley can refer trusted property managers
• ☐ Schedule TMO (Transportation Management Office) appointment for household goods shipment
• ☐ Research temporary lodging — Patriot Inn on base, TLF (Temporary Lodging Facility), or local hotels
• ☐ Register vehicles (you’ll need AR license plates within 30 days of arrival)

60–30 Days Before Move

• ☐ If buying: make offer, get under contract, schedule VA appraisal
• ☐ Arrange pet transport/quarantine if needed
• ☐ Begin school enrollment research — Cabot and Jacksonville-NP districts have online pre-enrollment
• ☐ Plan arrival date around closing date if purchasing
• ☐ Arrange utility setups: Arkansas Oklahoma Gas (natural gas), Entergy Arkansas (electric), central AR water districts
• ☐ Set up mail forwarding through USPS

30 Days Before Move

• ☐ Confirm closing date and final walkthrough (if buying)
• ☐ Confirm household goods pickup and delivery windows
• ☐ Pack essential “first night” items separately for easy access
• ☐ Notify banks, insurance, subscriptions of address change
• ☐ Transfer medical/dental records and prescriptions

Arrival Week

• ☐ In-process at LRAFB — your unit will provide specific requirements
• ☐ Visit the Airman and Family Readiness Center for welcome orientation
• ☐ Get AR driver’s license within 30 days (no state income tax benefit to establish residency)
• ☐ Enroll children in school — bring shot records, transcripts, IEP documents if applicable
• ☐ Register vehicles with Arkansas DMV (title transfer if buying)
• ☐ Activate Tricare at new duty station
• ☐ Close on your home (if buying) — typically within 30–45 days of contract

On-Base vs Off-Base Housing

On-Base (Hunt Military Communities): Waitlists exist for most rank/bedroom categories. Monthly housing allowance (BAH) is paid directly to Hunt. No utility bills (included). On-base is great for new arrivals who want community and convenience, but availability varies. Contact the housing office as soon as orders are received.

Off-Base Options:

• Jacksonville — 5–10 min commute, most affordable ($150K–$220K to buy)
• Cabot — 25–30 min commute, top-rated schools, best overall family value ($220K–$350K)
• Conway — 35–40 min commute, university town feel, excellent schools ($220K–$350K)
• Bryant — 35–45 min commute, #1 school district in area, Saline County low taxes ($255K–$350K)

Buying vs Renting at LRAFB

For 2+ year tours, buying with a VA loan almost always makes more financial sense than renting:

• No down payment with VA loan
• Build equity during your tour
• After PCS, rent the home out — LRAFB creates consistent rental demand
• Arkansas property values have appreciated steadily; minimal risk of loss on a 2–3 year hold

Ashley specializes in helping PCS families buy smart — starting the search remotely, closing before or right after arrival, and setting up the home for future rental if needed. Learn more about VA loans.

Key Phone Numbers and Resources

• 19th AW Airman & Family Readiness Center: (501) 987-6801
• LRAFB Housing Office (Hunt Military Communities): (501) 988-3606
• Patriot Inn (TLF): (501) 987-6811
• Dillard Army Health Clinic: (501) 987-7390
• Jacksonville-North Pulaski Schools: (501) 982-5671
• Cabot School District: (501) 843-3363
• Ashley Watters (REALTOR®): (501) 951-9200