Fort Rucker  Base Essentials

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.

Families with children may also want to visit Military Kids Connect, an online community for military children and youth. The site offers games, videos and links to teen-led installation tours.

To request a sponsor prior to your arrival, simply forward a completed DA Form 5434 through Army Knowledge Online to your current Strength Management Work Center or Army Personnel Office. The SMGT will then forward the form to your gaining Major Command or activity here on Fort Rucker who will respond to your request. Depending on your incoming status, whether you are a student, permanent party member, or arriving to a tenant organization, your check-in procedures will vary.  If you do not receive a letter from your sponsor, please contact the Directorate of Human Resources’ Military Personnel Division/Adjutant General Division or the Civilian Personnel Advisory Center. More information on contact numbers is available on the https://home.army.mil/rucker/index.php/newcomers website. Spouses or Family members traveling with the Service member may contact the Fort Rucker Army Community Service Information and Referral program or the Relocation Readiness program to request assistance during their transition at (334)255-3735/3161) or email.

The Youth Sponsorship Program depends on the availability of youth who volunteer to become sponsors. Contact your Fort Rucker School Liaison Officer at 334-255-9812 or DSN 312-558-9812 to inquire about a youth sponsor.