Australia has a very dynamic housing market. Expect a lengthy hotel stay – the average time to sign a lease for members under embassy housing rules is 35 days. The average delivery time for HHGs and POVs 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 expenditure (up to $10K) to cover up front costs, realizing you will recoup most of the outlay. This recoupment does not currently include any outlay for Embassy safety and security requirements.
The 337th ASUF provides personal property shipments, legal, financial, education, medical, personnel administration, and logistical support to all United States Air Force, Army, Navy, and 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 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 200+ Active Duty Military and their Family Members throughout Australia and New Zealand.
337 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 in Yarralumla. Taxi service is 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.
Release 2023.08.17.1