USAG Japan, Zama  Military and Family Support Center

If you are approaching a permanent change of station, or PCS, you may have questions about your upcoming move. As part of the Military and Family Support Center, the Relocation Assistance Program provides services and resources to help make this transition as smooth as possible. Below is a list of resources.

• PCS planning – Most relocation assistance programs offer counseling/consultations to assist in the moving process. Those making their first military move, those making their first overseas move or those with challenging or complex situations should contact their installation Relocation Assistance Program office as soon as possible for information and assistance.
• Plan My Move is an online tool that helps break the moving process down into clear, manageable steps for all family members. This Department of Defense relocation tool provides details about housing, transportation, finances, family and more.
• Military OneSource offers a variety of moving information and resources. Learn more about PCS basics and download this fact sheet 7 Steps to Make Your Household Goods Move a Smart Move.
• Loan Closet – Loan Closet offers basic household goods while your personal property is in transit. Typical items include pots and pans, dishes, silverware, irons, ironing boards and infant or toddler car seats. Generally, towels and bed linens are not available, so these should be packed in your express shipment. This service varies by service and installation.
• Workshops and briefings – Workshops vary from installation to installation, but you may find classes on housing options, moving with children, moving with pets or general moving preparation and resources.
• Predeparture briefings – Briefings may be called Smooth Move or PCS Briefing and provide essential information about your next duty station. Briefings can be critical in setting you up for success during the transition to your next duty station.
• Settling-in services – Welcome Wagon services or local area tours may be a part of your installation’s settling-in services. Overseas arrival services may include introductory language classes and cultural awareness training.
• Foreign-born spouse support – Whether you have questions or concerns about immigration and naturalization, learning the English language or how to use local transportation, the relocation program provides assistance, classes and referrals. Services may vary by service and installation.
• Emergency assistance – From time to time, emergencies occur while moving. The Military and Family Support Center has the resources to provide emergency financial assistance and referrals.
• Authorized housing flexibility options – The 2018 National Defense Authorization Act authorized housing flexibility options for eligible service members in receipt of PCS orders within the United States. This includes possible extended stays in government housing and early moving opportunities. For additional information and eligibility considerations, contact your military personnel office. Please note that application of these policies may vary across services.
• Spouse Reimbursement – The 2018 National Defense Authorization Act allows each service branch to reimburse spouses up to $1,000 for relicensure and certification costs resulting from relocations or PCS moves. This includes moves that cross U.S. state lines, as well as OCONUS to stateside moves. See this Military OneSource article on Transferring Your Professional License for more information and specific service branch policies.

Army Community Service’s Relocation Readiness Program office, located in Building 402, provides assistance to relocating service members, Department of the Army civilians, their family members and retirees.

Loan Closet items are loaned out for 30 days or until you receive your household goods. Personnel will receive their housing prior to receiving HHG, so you will need to pack linens in your luggage or mail them ahead of your arrival because the Loan Closet does not provide linens. Limited supplies of furniture are available from the Housing Furnishing Management Branch; they can provide projections for available furniture around your arrival.

Before you leave your present duty station, coordinate with the local Relocation Assistance Program at your family service center. The ACS RRP office provides assistance in every aspect of relocating. A wide range of services are offered to help you before, during and after your move.

You will receive post-move assistance shortly after your arrival. Our in-processing office will provide an easy-to-follow, step-by-step sheet of areas you need to check in with, including finance, housing, driver training and vehicle registration.

You will automatically be enrolled in the two-part Command Right Start Program:

• Part I -- Newcomers Orientation: A welcome briefing by the installation commander and key representatives from the community, facilitated by ACS. This day includes breakfast items and beverages and a Taste of Japan luncheon. This mandatory orientation is held the first and third Thursday of each month for military and civilian personnel stationed within the Camp Zama environments. Adult family members are welcome and encouraged to attend. Free child care during the orientation is available year-round for children 6 weeks old through fifth grade. We recommend active duty bring a change of civilian clothes in order to participate in the Train Tour in the afternoon.
• Part II -- Japanese Head Start: A weeklong Japanese language, customs and culture class for military and civilian personnel conducted by the Academic Training Division (Education Center). Adult family members may also attend.

Military and civilian personnel are required to attend both of these programs within 60 days of their arrival at Camp Zama.

Personnel who are leaving the military are also required to out-process through the Army Career and Alumni Program. Adult family members who are relocating with their sponsor should visit ACS Relocation Assistance well in advance of their permanent change of station. There is also job search preparation information for the next assignment.

The Information and Referral Program at ACS includes driving and train maps to other bases as well as points of interest.

ACS will also distribute welcome packets upon request. Weekly English as a Second Language classes and Japanese classes are offered at no charge.

For more information, call ACS at 011-81-46-407-HELP (4357) or DSN 315-263-HELP (4357).