Keesler 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.

Relocation assistance is available in two locations. Our main Airman and Family Readiness Center office, Sablich Center Room 110, 228-­376-8728 or DSN 312-591-8728, assists permanent party and the Airman and Family Readiness Center Annex, in Levitow Training Support Facility, 228-377-0155 or DSN 312-597-0155, is for students. Permanent party inbound services include: Child Care for PCS, individual relocation assistance, employment resources, community school directory, newcomer welcome packages, and sponsorship training. Permanent party outbound services include: Plan My Move workshops, individual outbound relocation assistance, spouse employment assistance, and Child Care for PCS.

Air Force Aid Society's Child Care for PCS Program is 20 hours of free care available within 60 days of arrival provided through the Family Child Care Home Providers. Bring a copy of your PCS orders to the A&FRC and get the eligibility certificate. Currently, there are a limited number of providers but that situation is improving weekly. Remember to ask your losing base Airman and Family Readiness Center about Child Care for PCS.

Installation Specific Information

Any spouses with less than five years affiliation with the military are encouraged and invited to the Heart Link program held quarterly as a combined base agency effort.

Verify your entitlements through the Finance office for TLE as well as an advance estimate of what expenses are and are not reimbursable. Technical training students may not be entitled to certain reimbursements. If you are a student coming here TDY, we can send a packet of information to you, since students do not get sponsors.

For recently arriving personnel, check with the A&FRC regarding Child Care for PCS availability. This program is for all ranks of Air Force Personnel stationed at Keesler. Families may receive 20 hours of free child care per child by utilizing the Family Home Day Care Providers. This is available to those within 60 days of signing in to the base, or within 60 days of PCS.

Inbound personnel may make base billeting arrangements via Keesler's homepage.  All personnel separating or retiring are encouraged to attend the monthly Transition Assistance Program.