Fort Stewart  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.

Additionally, Army Community Service has a lending closet that has a variety of basic household items for temporary loan at no charge to incoming and outgoing Families. Relocation counseling is also offered on a walk-in basis or by appointment to help incoming Soldiers and Family find services they need and discuss any other concerns they may have. If you need more relocation assistance, call Army Community Service at 912-767-5058.

Relocation Programs and Activities

Sponsorship Program -- All Soldiers, E-5 through 0-6, and married Soldiers if possible will be provided an advanced arrival sponsor. A reactionary sponsor will be provided to married Soldiers without advanced-arrival sponsors and
single Soldier, E-1 through E-4.

Lending Closet -- Basic household items are available for loan. Bring copy of orders and I.D. card to check out items.

Hearts Apart (Waiting Spouses Support Group) -- Group meets every 2nd Tuesday of each month, 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., Building 86. The group is for spouses who are geographically separated from their service member. Get together with other spouses to enjoy arts and crafts, personal development, and receive information on community events.

Foreign Born Spouses Support Group -- Come out to get together with people of similar culture and/or who may speak the same language. For more information on the Foreign Born Spouses Support Group contact ACS. Contact ACS at (912-767-1037.

Mandatory Overseas Briefings -- If you are on orders to an overseas assignment, a mandatory overseas briefing is
required. Alaska and Korea briefings are held the 1st Tuesday of each month at 9:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m.
respectively and Germany and Hawaii briefing are held the 3rd Tuesday of each month at 9:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m.
respectively. All other briefings are held by appointment.

Kids On the Move -- Whether you are just getting here or getting ready to leave, bring your children by the Relocation
Assistance Office for an activity bag to keep them occupied while they are getting settled in or traveling to the next
duty station. Program is offered on a walk-in basis during normal business hours.

Installation Specific Information

For any questions about relocating, call or stop by the Army Community Services (ACS) Relocation Readiness Office for
assistance.