Eielson AFB  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.

The Eielson Air Force Base Airman and Family Readiness Center has a variety of programs to assist you with your move. You may also find many of these programs at your current base. Planning ahead is one sure way to reduce stress during any permanent change of station and your local Relocation Assistance Program is here to help. Don't forget to plan your drive up well in advance; services along the Alcan Highway are limited and hotels fill quickly.

Loan Locker:

The Loan Locker has items available for check-out throughout your tour, as needed. For furniture items, contact the housing office.

Sponsorship:

Once your gaining organization has received confirmation of your PCS, they will assign a sponsor to you. Your sponsor should provide you with an Eielson sponsor package that has information about the base and local community, including housing, schools, employment and other information that they thought you would need. Your sponsor should also provide you with information about your gaining organization, including the name of your commander and first sergeant. Keep your sponsor informed during your PCS. If your arrival plans change, be sure to contact your sponsor. Your sponsor will be responsible for welcoming you to the base and your organization. Your sponsor will assist with pre-arrival arrangements, answer questions, meet you personally upon arrival and ensure your move to Eielson goes smoothly and that all of your in-processing needs are met. If you have not received communication from your sponsor prior to leaving your losing duty station, please connect with the
A& FRC at 907-377-2178 and we will happily assist you with establishing your initial communication.

Child Care for PCS:

Twenty hours of free child care is provided by the Air Force Aid Society. This time can be used as your household goods are being delivered to keep the children from being under foot. Care is provided in Family Child Care Provider homes and is available on departure or arrival to Eielson.

Pioneer Start:

Pioneer Start/Newcomer’s Orientation is a Wing orientation for all active duty, government civilians, and family members and is held the second Wednesday of every month, and may be subject to change, depending on the Wing calendar. Pioneer Start is a mandatory briefing for military and newly hired DOD civilians. Family members are encouraged to attend. Pioneer Start will provide essential information about the Wing mission and history of Eielson AFB, winter safety and survival, tips for acclimating to Alaska, as well as an information expo supported by many on- and off-base sponsors, agencies and support organizations.

Passports and Visas

Please ensure that service members and dependents have the required documentation necessary for travel into Canada prior to final out-processing. A no-fee passport is required for PCS travel to Canada for eligible family members. Please note that children under age 16 transitioning to/from Alaska may enter the U.S. or Canada by land or sea using one of the following documents:

• Any type of U.S. passport
• Original or copy of U.S. birth certificate and a copy of the service member’s orders
• U.S. naturalization certificate
• Consular report of birth abroad

For additional information, please contact Military Personnel Flight at 907-377-2851 or
DSN 317-377-2851.

Relocation Assistance

Please note the process for in-processing:

1. The newcomers’ mandatory in-processing will be conducted on Fridays (excluding holidays and Stand Down days) at 10 a.m. at MPF, which is located on the third floor of Amber Hall, 354 Broadway Ave.
2. New individuals must be scheduled for base in-processing within 48 hours of arrival and they must attend within 30 days of arrival.
3. Base in-processing is mandatory and all in-processing members will be required to sign in (no signature equals no attendance).
4. First sergeants will be notified of no shows or late shows.
5. Members must be in the uniform of the day or they will be turned away.
6. MPF customer service must be notified for reschedules to base in-processing by the Wednesday prior to their scheduled date.