Fort Myer (Joint Base Myer - Henderson Hall)  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 ACS Relocation Assistance program offers a variety of workshops, orientations, training and seminars on various subjects and topics pertaining to relocation to include Smooth Move, Re-entry, and Citizenship and Immigration assistance.  The Relocation Assistance Program also offers a  Lending Closet which offers basic household items such as pots and pans, microwaves, coffee makers, toasters, irons, car seats and sleeping mats, free of charge to newly arrived or departing personnel who are temporarily without their own household items. For relocation assistance or information, please call 703-696-0156/3510.

Thrift Shop

The Fort Myer Thrift Shop has a number of gently used items available for purchase.  Items vary throughout the year and the selection of items is very diverse. The Thrift Shop is located at 142 Forrest Circle (between the Post Office and the stables).  Hours of operation are Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 10:00 am until 2:30 pm.  The Thrift Shop is also open the first Saturday of every month from 10:00 am until 3:00 pm.  While there are a number of thrift shops in the local area, all proceeds from the Fort Myer Thrift Shop go back into the community. For more information, call 703-527-0664.

Loan Closet

How to Borrow

Service members and Families wanting to borrow from the Loan Closet should bring a valid I.D. card and PCS orders.  Those not in PCS status may borrow from the Loan Closet if there are sufficient items.  However, priority is given to those who are PCSing. The Loan Closet is available from 9:00 am until 3:30 pm.  Items are available on a first come, first served basis.  All items must be returned by the due date.  Extensions may be granted by the Program Manager on a case by case basis.  For more information, call the ACS at 703-696-0156/3510.

Installation Specific Information

Moving to the National Capital Region can be overwhelming. The JBM-HH Relocation Readiness Program can provide assistance before and after your move. If you are unsure on what to do or need assistance with your move, please call us at 1-800-477-9571 or 703-696-3510/0153.

Orders are the most important document for a move.  Until you have them, you do not know what you will be authorized.  Be sure to read your orders as soon as you receive them.  If they are not correct, make sure any changes needed are made prior to your PCS here.

If the service member is going TDY in advance of PCS, it is important to designate someone as a power of attorney to take care of personal business in their absence.

Services Provided by the JBM-HH Relocation Readiness Program

Newcomers

In-processing Briefing—In-processing is done daily for Finance and Military Personnel.  However, START RIGHT, the Newcomers briefing, is held every Thursday in building 230 on Forrester Circle. This briefing is mandatory for all service members assigned to Fort Myer, but all Soldiers and Family members are encouraged to attend. The orientation provides an overview on services available on the installation and in the area.  

Re-entry briefings are offered on an individual basis to service members returning from overseas who need assistance with preparing for the adjustments that must often be made when returning from an overseas tour.

Individual relocation counseling -- Personalized individual counseling is available to those requesting it from our office.

Service members and Families wanting to borrow from the Loan Closet should bring a valid I.D. card and PCS orders. Those not in PCS status may borrow from the Loan Closet if there are sufficient items. However, priority is given to those who are PCSing. The Loan Closet is available from 8:00 am until 3:30 pm. Items are available on a first come, first served basis. All items must be returned by the due date, clean and serviceable. Extensions may be granted by the Program Manager on a case by case basis. For more information, call the ACS at 703-696-0156/3510.

Welcome Packets-- All arriving personnel will receive a Welcome Packet at in-processing.  If you need a packet prior to that time, please e-mail us at usarmy.jbmhh.asa.mbx.acs-relocation@mail.mil or contact your sponsor.

Sponsorship -- ACS provides unit and individual sponsorship training quarterly and upon request. Incoming Soldiers requesting a sponsor should contact their gaining unit.

Multicultural family services:

Army Community Service offers programs and resources that are exclusively designed for foreign-born spouses of military service members, based on specific needs. Programs may include:

1. English as a Second Language (ESL) Classes are offered throughout the local community. Contact the ACS office for current class schedules.
2. International Spouses Group, an interactive group focusing on everyday life in the United States and a chance to share your culture with others.
3. Citizenship and Naturalization assistance. Citizenship information classes are offered to Soldiers and Family members who are preparing to become U.S. Citizens. For more information about Citizenship, contact ACS or visit the USCIS website.