Joint Base Lewis-McChord  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 Joint Newcomers' Orientation is held monthly. The briefing is mandatory and must be attended within 30 days of assignment by Army Soldiers in the ranks of Captains, Lieutenants, Warrant Officers Two and below, and E-7s and below (senior officers and senior noncommissioned officers are encouraged to attend); and mandatory for Air Force Airmen - all ranks. Service members' spouses and civilian employees are also encouraged to attend. Complimentary continental breakfast and on-site child care are provided (KOS childcare packet must be completed prior to use of this service contact Parent Central Services at 253-966-2977).

You may also obtain a 30 day loan of household items from our Lending Closet.  You will need a copy of your orders and, if you are unable to come to the Lending Closet, your spouse may pick up the household items with a copy of your orders.  To reach the Relocation Assistance Program JBLM Main staff, call 253-967-3633   To reach JBLM-McChord Field staff call 253-982-2695.  To reach the Lending Closet, call 253-967-3635 or DSN: 312-357-3635. 

Installation Specific Information

There are numbers of other agencies on base that manage various aspects of your relocation. The Housing Services Office, Transportation Management Office, the Military Personnel Section, and your unit of assignment, are some examples of the many agencies involved in the relocation process. The Service member and Family Readiness Center is the focal point for relocation assistance program (RAP) which provides current information, services, consultation, and education concerning relocation as it relates to the military life cycle.

For Airmen: when you arrive at JBLM McChord Field, you may want to stop in the Service member and Family Readiness Center Relocation office, where you can - check out Family Packs of basic kitchen items and sleeping mats for your family for 30 days. These are limited in number, please bring a copy of your orders.