Relocation Assistance

Your Military and Family Support Center provides relocation assistance to help make PCS moves as smooth as possible. Resources include:

• PCS planning: Most relocation assistance programs offer consultations to help you with the moving process. If this your first military move, your first time moving overseas or you have challenging or complex circumstances contact your installation Relocation Assistance Program as soon as possible for support.
• Plan My Move: An online Defense Department relocation tool that provides you with customizable checklists and links to helpful resources for the tasks ahead.
• Military OneSource: A website and call center that offer 24/7 support for moving information and resources. Learn more about PCS basics. For comprehensive moving resources and information, including Defense Personal Property log in details, visit Moving Your Personal Property.
• Workshops and briefings: Workshops vary by location. You may find classes on housing options, moving with children, moving with pets and more.
• Predeparture briefings: These sessions provide essential information about your move and may be required for some populations.
• Special needs: If you have a child or family member enrolled in the Exceptional Family Member Program, contact your installation EFMP-Family Support office to assist you.
• Settling-in services: Look for welcome programs or local area tours that may be offered. Overseas services may include introductory language classes and cultural awareness activities.
• Foreign-born spouse support: Assistance includes information and referral to resources such as immigration and naturalization.
• Emergency assistance: Sometime emergencies occur while moving. The Military and Family Support Center has the resources to provide emergency financial assistance, as well as information and referrals.
• Authorized housing flexibility options: Eligible service members with PCS orders may be entitled to flexibilities such as extended stays in government housing and early housing eligibility. Contact your military personnel office for more information.
• Spouse licensure reimbursement: Your service branch may reimburse spouses up to $1,000 for relicensure and certification costs resulting from relocations or PCS moves. See this Military OneSource article Transferring Your Professional License for more information and specific service branch policies.

Welcome to RAF Croughton, RAF Fairford & RAF Welford!

As part of your in-processing, please visit the Military & Family Readiness Center (M&FRC) in Building 72. They offer a wide range of relocation services and programs to help you settle in. You can reach them at DSN 314-236-8158 or 011-44-1280-70-8158. Mon, Tue, Thurs, Fri 0800-1600. Wed 1300-1600.

We encourage you to contact M&FRC or your sponsor before your arrival to request a "Welcome Packet" Guide. This guide, along with the Newcomer Orientation brief, will provide a comprehensive overview of available resources.

Newcomer Orientation:

• Attendance is mandatory for all newly arrived active duty members.
• Briefings are held twice a month at RAF Croughton.
• You will also receive the "Local Conditions Course" during this orientation, which is required for anyone planning to drive in the UK.

Driving in the UK:

• The "Local Conditions Course" is mandatory.
• You will be required to complete a test after the orientation.
• To prepare for the test, visit https://www.gov.uk/take-practice-theory-test.
• For more information, contact the Safety Office at DSN 314-236-8580 or 011-44-1280-70-8580.

Childcare During Orientation:

• Families with children can inquire at the M&FRC about PCS childcare. AF military members may be eligible for 20 hours of free childcare per child for the first 60 days after arrival.
• Consider attending the briefings alternately with your spouse to manage childcare needs.

Loaner Items:

• Basic household items (pots, pans, dishes, silverware, small appliances, and vacuums) are available to borrow while awaiting your personal property shipment.
• Additional furniture and appliances can be borrowed from the Furniture Management Office at DSN 314-236-8772 or 011-44-1280-70-8772.

Passports:

For the most up to date guidance on passports please check link DOD Foreign Clearance Guide (pentagon.mil)

UK Vignette for eligible Military Dependents:

• UK Vignette is optional not Mandatory, but highly recommended for military dependents Contact the 422 FSS Commander Support Staff Office DSN: 236-8324/ 01280708324 422abs.css@us.af.mil to obtain the UK Vignette checklist and to make an appointment
• As of 28 November 2015, dependent spouses (any age), and dependent children UNDER 21 of active duty military members assigned to the UK, DO NOT need visas (Exempt Dependents). Please review the Foreign Clearance Guide for further guidance.
• Exempt Dependent rules apply to newly acquired dependents, e.g. new spouse or new baby/adopted child.
• Dependent child aged 21 or older must obtain UK visa prior to arrival.
• UK Vignette can now be obtained in the US prior to arriving to UK. Please contact your local Military Personnel Flight Passport Section for further info.

Ensure member and/or dependents have the required passports and/or visa prior to final out-processing. Member and/or dependents are not allowed to final out-process without the required passports/visas in hand for themselves (if applicable) and/or dependents. Members electing the accompanied tour will not be permitted to out-process without having the required passports/visas in hand for themselves (if applicable) and/or dependents.