Check-in Procedures

Your sponsor will provide you with all the necessary information you’ll need for in-processing your squadron. You will be scheduled for the Right Start Weasel Welcome. If your spouse is new to Shaw Air Force Base or to the Air Force way of life, it is highly recommended that you bring your spouse to the Right Start briefing. Together, you can learn about Shaw AFB.

The  local area tour sponsored by the city of Sumter that included lunch. It is a helpful way to establish new friendships and learn about all the agencies available for your spouse -- for free -- on base and in the community.

If your spouse would like to volunteer, find employment in the area, learn what Air Force life is all about or new to Air Force life ask them if they would like to attend Heart Link. It is an educational and fun program. Spouses will learn what is available to them for free and what to expect while you are stationed here at Shaw AFB.

For more information, contact the Military and Family Readiness Center at 803-895-1253 or DSN 315-965-1253.

Newcomers arriving at Shaw Air Force Base on a duty day, 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., are required to check in with the Military Personnel Flight located in Support Group Building 1118 on base. Your sponsor or a designated representative from your unit will be available to assist you with your initial arrival. If you get lost, stop by your unit or the Military and Family Readiness Center for help. We have one main road on Shaw Air Force Base: Shaw Drive. Follow the M&FRC directional signs.

In-processing with your new unit must be accomplished before taking permissive leave for house hunting. You must also contact the MPF Right Start in-processing monitor for check-in and additional information on other military requirements.

The Relocation Assistance Program at the M&FRC can assist you with local area information and direct you to services available on and off base. Call 803-895-1253.

United States Army Central Reporting

Soldiers assigned to United States Army Central are required to in-process at the Headquarters and Headquarters Battalion, S-1, before you sign in with your directorate. After you sign in, your section representative will assist you with the additional activities required for in-processing. During duty hours, you should report to the Headquarters and Headquarters Battalion, S1, Personnel Administration Center at Headquarters, USARCENT at Patton Hall on 1 Gabreski Dr. on the east side of Shaw Air Force Base. Call 803-885-8182. During non-duty hours, report to the Access Control Services main reception desk at Patton Hall and report to the Personnel Administration Center the next working day. Call 803-885-8770. The normal duty uniform for USARCENT is the Army Combat Uniform.

Soldiers must have the following documentation for in-processing:

• Your military personnel file (201 file)
• DA Form 31 Leave Form
• Copy of your orders
• Your identification card

• Permanent change of station orders
• All personal identification documents, military identification cards, marriage and birth certificates, passports and social security cards
• Medical records, including immunization records for family members and pets
• Leave and Earnings Statements
• Proof of car insurance and registration (If you are returning from an overseas assignment, you must have proof that you were insured from your overseas insurance company during the time you were out of the country. If you cannot prove insurance, you will be considered uninsured for that period and be required to pay higher premiums when obtaining insurance here.)
• School records
• Inventory list of household goods shipment
• Any bills of sales pertaining to vehicles, especially if you purchased the car overseas (you will need these to register your car)

Carolina Pines Inn handles temporary lodging needs for Air Force members and their families. Call 803-895-3803 or visit 20TH FSS - Carolina Pines Inn (thebestfss.com)

Lodging is open 6 a.m.-10 p.m. each day and consists of 12 pet-friendly units. Guests utilizing these quarters incur a pet fee of $10 per night. Guest must abide by the Air Force Lodging pet policy and provide proof of rabies vaccination at the time of check-in. You can also make your reservation online at 20TH FSS - Carolina Pines Inn (thebestfss.com)

If a pet-friendly unit is not available, guests will need to kennel their pets off base. Check the Vet Clinic at 803-895-6155 or email shawvtf@gmail.com or the Carolina Pines Inn for a list of kennels in the area.

If you get married enroute to your new duty station, you must inform your commander and register your new spouse in the Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System (DEERS) with the Military Personnel Flight customer service. Bring your new spouse and marriage certificate as proof of marriage.

Follow procedures exactly as you are given them. The military will not pay for travel and housing of your spouse if you do not follow proper procedures.