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Australia has a very dynamic housing market. Expect a lengthy hotel stay as the average time to sign a lease for members under embassy housing rules is 35 days. The average HHG and POV delivery time is four months. Members are authorized concurrent Overseas Housing Allowance (OHA) and Temporary Lodging Allowance (TLA) until HHGs are delivered.
Living in Australia is expensive. Settling down in a home is no exception. Prepare to have sufficient funding (between $10K - $20K) to cover up front costs, realizing you may recoup most of the outlay upon completion of TLA reimbursements. This recoupment does not currently include any additional outlay for Embassy safety and security requirements aside from the regulatory Move-in Housing Allowances.
The 337th ASUF provides personal property shipments, legal, financial, education, medical, personnel adminisration, and logistical support to all Department of Defense (DOD) Active Duty Military, Civilian, and retired personnel in Australia. Additionally, the 337th ASUF provides limited support to personnel in New Zealand.
The Pacific Air Force Judge Advocate’s Operating Location Echo Team (PACAF/JA OL-E) provides full-spectrum legal support to include: Notary services (as well as notary training for Officers & Senior Non-Commissioned Officers assigned to GSUs), Powers of Attorney, Estate Planning (Wills, Living Wills, Medical Directives, etc.), Lease Reviews, Legal Assistance, Servicemember’s Civil Relief Act (SCRA) assistance, as well as ensuring lawful entry into Australia under Visa Subclass 945 (Special Purpose Visa (SPV)) via Special Purpose Travel Authority system inputs for all relative inbound personnel.
The 337th Air Support Flight (ASUF) was activated in 1994 as the successor to Detachment 7, DoD Support Agency (DODSA), 15th Air Force Wing, Hickam AFB, Hawaii. The DODSA, Bolling AFB, Washington D.C., was created in 1986 following a joint agreement between Pacific Command, Pacific Air Forces, the Defense Intelligence Agency, and the U.S. Ambassador to Australia. DODSA was established to provide SOFA, legal, finance, transportation, and administrative support to U.S. DoD Personnel and Families assigned to Australia.
The 337th ASUF provides support to approximately 300 military members and their families throughout Australia and New Zealand.
The 337th Air Support Flight is located at the US Embassy in Canberra, Australia Capital Territory (ACT), which has been the capital city of Australia since 1913. The ACT is situated within New South Wales, approximately 300 kilometers from Sydney and 650 kilometers from Melbourne.
The cost of living is high, which is typical of Australia.
Regular and consistent bus service is available in Canberra to the Embassy through Public Transit. Taxi services are available as well.
Individuals without a badge to enter the Embassy must schedule an appointment with the 337th at least 72hrs in advance, to allow time for access approval through Regional Security Office.