Sponsorship

To help prepare sponsors for success, the Sponsorship Program provides training and access to important information and resources that can help newcomers master their move. The Sponsorship Program helps sponsors fulfill their responsibilities, which may include:

• Contacting the service member and family with an introductory email
• Staying in contact with the service member throughout the moving process
• Sending information about the new community and duty assignment, responding to questions and providing information about resources
• Confirming transportation and lodging arrangements
• Helping with post office arrangements
• Meeting service members and family members upon arrival
• Going with service members to unit check-in point
• Introducing service members to the Military and Family Support Center and loan closet, if it’s available
• Familiarizing service members and families with the installation and key locations, like the commissary

Note: Responsibilities may vary based on service-specific policies and guidance. Make sure to check with your service branch for sponsor training requirements.

Overall, the Sponsorship Program aims to:

• Provide newcomers with a sense of belonging
• Ease the transition for inbound service members or civilians and their family members
• Increase productivity of service members and loved ones
• Help newcomers make informed decisions
• Cultivate new friendships
• Improve morale

For more information on the Sponsorship Program, contact your installation Military and Family Support Center.

Sponsorship is also available for youth. Installation youth sponsorship programs help military-connected youth make a successful transition to a new community. Primarily directed to preteen and teenaged youth, installation youth programs/centers provide information and materials on programs and services available at their new location. Where available, youth can exchange emails, talk on the phone or chat online with other youth. The youth program staff at your new installation can offer more information on installation youth sponsorship programs.

You can also contact your installation School Liaison Program office for information about school-based youth sponsorship programs such as Anchored4Life and Student2Student. These peer-to-peer programs help your student adjust to and navigate their new school.

If your child would like to become a youth sponsor, contact your installation School Liaison Program or youth program/center.

INCOMING SOLDIER

Army service members are assigned a sponsor automatically through their gaining unit’s Sponsorship Program, but they can also request one directly through their chain of command or via the Army’s official Relocation Readiness resources. Sponsors are trained Soldiers who help newcomers transition smoothly to their next duty station, offering guidance, local information, and support during PCS moves.

How an Army Service Member Can Get a Sponsor at a New Duty Station:

1. Automatic Assignment Through the gaining Unit

Most Army units assign a sponsor as soon as they receive your PCS orders. This is part of the Army’s official Sponsorship Program, designed to help Soldiers and families adjust to a new installation.

How it works:

• Your gaining unit receives your PCS orders.
• The unit assigns a trained sponsor (usually someone of similar rank and family status).
• The sponsor contacts you by email or phone to introduce themselves and provide information.

This process is supported by the Army’s relocation assistance framework, which ensures standardized support for PCS moves My Army Benefits.

2. Request a Sponsor Through Your Losing Unit

If you haven’t heard from a sponsor within a reasonable time after receiving orders, you can request one.

Ask your S1, orderly room, or chain of command to:

• Confirm your gaining unit’s contact information.
• Reach out to the gaining unit to request a sponsor assignment.
• Verify that your DA Form 5434 (Sponsorship Program Counseling and Information Sheet) has been initiated.

3. Use DA Form 5434 (Required for E1–E6, O1–O3, WO1–CW2)

DA Form 5434 is the official form used to initiate the sponsorship process.

1. Complete Sections 1–3 of DA Form 5434.
2. Your gaining unit completes the remaining sections and assigns a sponsor.

4. Use Military OneSource

Military OneSource provides PCS support and can help you:

• Understand the sponsorship process.
• Get contact information for your gaining installation.
• Access moving and relocation resources 

What to Do If You Haven’t Been Assigned a Sponsor Yet:

• Wait 1–2 weeks after receiving orders.
• Contact your losing unit’s S1 or readiness NCO.
• Call the gaining unit’s S1 or headquarters directly.
• Complete DA Form 5434 
• This form is part of the Army’s standardized relocation assistance process under USC 10 §1056 

Tips for a Smooth Sponsorship Experience:

• Respond quickly to your sponsor once they reach out.
• Ask about housing, schools, transportation, and in-processing.
• Request a welcome packet or installation guide.
• Keep copies of your orders and important documents handy.

You will be assigned a sponsor approximately 120 days from your report date. Take this time to reach out to your gaining unit to inform them of your pending arrival and of any issues you may have requiring earlier sponsor assignment such as if you are going on temporary duty travel in route to your next duty station. If you have any issues, get with your brigade or battalion sponsorship coordinators.