Fort Carson  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.

Relocation services are available at the ACS Center, Bldg. 1526. Whether it’s your first move or the last of many, we have various resources and information to help you and your family navigate your next military move. Newly arrived Soldiers and Families can call 719.526.0457 to be assisted. Inbound services include:

• Welcome Packets
• Relocation Counseling and Newcomer Assistance
• Newcomers Orientation and Bus Tour
• Office on the Go - Computer lab with 11 computer systems (CAC accessible if needed) and printers. Copying, faxing and scanning available.
• Homebuyer's Workshop - Taught by the Pikes Peak Realtors Association (PPAR) on a monthly basis.  Topics vary from choosing a real estate agent to selecting the right house to VA loans
• Sponsorship Training

Multicultural service questions can be referred to 526-1127. Services include:

• Meet-Up Groups - German and Latino. If you are interested in starting a Meet-Up group, contact us at 719.526.0457.
• Immigration classes and one-on-one appointments. We work directly with the USCIS Denver Office.
• Everyday English - Every Tuesday, 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Pre-registration is required.
• Monthly Naturalization Ceremonies
• S1 Immigration Training

Outbound service questions can be referred to 526-1053. Services include:

• Destination Overseas
• PCS 101
• Relocation Counseling
• Relocation Packets
• Waiting Families Program