USAG Alaska, Wainwright  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 Relocation Readiness Program is located in ACS at building 3401 room 68. Welcome packets, maps and other local information are available. Computers are available in the Family Readiness Center, also located in the Army Community Service area of the Welcome Center. The Relocation Lending Closet offers household items for 30 day loan. Each Soldier will receive a date for the Fort Wainwright Newcomers Orientation on Day One of In-Processing. For more assistance, contact us at 907-353-7908 or DSN 317-353-7908.

Installation Specific Information

The Fort Wainwright Army Community Service (ACS) Relocation Readiness Program (RRP) office sponsors a one day Newcomers Orientation the 2^nd and 4^th Wednesday of every month at the Last Frontier Activity Community Center. The orientation includes subject matter experts that provide information about Fort Wainwright and the surrounding area and an information fair. This program is mandatory for all Soldiers. Your date to attend the Newcomers Orientation will be scheduled when you in process with the Military Personnel Division located in Building 3401. Spouses and DoD employees are highly encouraged to attend.

A winter orientation (Welcome to Winter) is held once a month starting in September ending in December for all Newcomers. Topics covered include: vehicle winterization, wildlife safety, How to dress, protecting your pets, and winter adventure. This orientation is a lot of fun and will prepare you for the winter months. Call the ACS at 907 353-4227 staff for dates and times of upcoming events.