Hanscom AFB  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.

Mail enroute: Please contact the Hanscom Postal Service Center at DSN 312-845-2543 or 781-225-2543 between the hours of 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. or 3 p.m. and 5 p.m. EST Monday through Friday approximately three weeks prior to your arrival.  

You will be asked to provide the following information:

• Sponsor's name and rank
• Spouse's name (if applicable)
• Estimated arrival date
• Your organization and office symbol
• If possible, a duty phone number at Hanscom Air Force Base

Once you have connected with the PSC, you can then forward your mail to:

Name
General Delivery Box 8888
75 Grenier St.
Hanscom AFB, MA
01731

General delivery can be picked up between the hours of 11 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. or 3 p.m. and 5 p.m. There is no mail delivered on weekends or holidays.

Single military: Military members who will be living permanently in the enlisted dorms will be assigned a box and issued a key upon arrival at Hanscom AFB. 

Shipping boxes: If you are planning to ship boxes or any other bulk items, please email us and let us know when you will be arriving and we will store your packages at the official mail center. The PSC is located in Building 1515.  

Note: Those not being assigned to dormitories may use general delivery until moving into on- or off-base housing.

Installation-Specific Information

Go to Hanscom AFB's homepage and click "Newcomers." The Hanscom AFB Airman and Family Readiness Center has a Facebook page too: facebook.com/Hanscom.AFRC. Be our fan! Created for newcomers, this site contains local area news and updates. Upon your arrival, visit the HA&FRC in Building 1240 on 10 Kirtland St. within walking distance of the lodging facility.

This area has a very high cost of living. It's important to save money for moving-in expenses and give yourself enough time to choose a place to live. The following are important new arrival programs for military and their families:

Loan Closet -- If you are waiting for household goods, please stop by the HA&FRC to take a look at items available in the Loan Closet. Please note: The Loan Closet is currently staffed by volunteers and has limited hours.

Installation Mission and Management Brief (Newcomers) -- Held monthly at the HA&FRC, new military personnel and civilians are required to call to sign up for this briefing. Other service personnel living or working on Hanscom AFB are invited, but it’s requested they call to sign up. Important base and community information is shared at the information fair.

T and City Orientation – This service helps military members, civilians and families learn how to navigate the Boston City Subway System which is called the "T." The schedule includes a Boston trip and local activities. Stop by if you want information on public transportation options.

Discovery Resource Center -- Hanscom AFB provides a fax machine and internet access for contacts associated with your PCS and with employment search. Books on various topics including local area attractions are available for loan. The DRC is open 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. daily.

Relocation Assistance

Contact the HA&FRC in Building 1240 between 8:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. or via email for a personal welcome and extensive area information. Loan Closet items can be borrowed while you are awaiting your household goods. (Please note that the Loan Closet is staffed by volunteers and has limited hours).