If you really want to see the world you should also consider requesting stations outside the U.S. Since this is your first PCS move, you’re perhaps unsure of what to expect and how to prepare. It'll also pay for you to ship one car overseas. If the dependents moved to the new duty station and were not accompanied by the service member, a separate DD 1351-2 must be submitted for the dependents’ period of travel. The barracks are in Stuttgart-Mohringen, Germany. The post is home to Cadet Command, U.S. Bullion Depository, and Human Resources Command. There is no shortage of recreation between dining, shopping, drinking, and sightseeing. Often people say that the military is one big family and although the five branches of the U.S. Armed Forces seem similar, the types of jobs, geographic locations, environment, and cultures are often worlds apart. For contiguous United States moves, known as CONUS (aka the lower 48 states), you have several moving options. Army Stationing and Rotation Policy W. Michael Hix, J. Michael Polich, ... movements, and family support. The United States Army is currently transitioning more of its USFK headquarters to nearby Camp Humphreys (which is also a fantastic place to get stationed). The Army is not restricted to service members with a significant other or children. I’m in my 17th house now, so I’ve done my share of checking into new duty stations. The torturous inner dialogue within ourselves is, “Do I look, or do I wait?”. Elie Piha served as a paratrooper in the US Army from 2008 to 2012. and it will be our first duty station. Along with a housing community, the base also offers its own elementary, middle, and high school. View more newsletters on our Subscriptions page. View Larger Map: Contact Us: Named after Maj. Gen. Bennet C. Riley, Fort Rileywas established in 1853 to protect Western migration and trade. The military establishment impressively supports more than 120,000 active-duty military, family, reserves, and retirees on a daily basis. Austin, Dallas, and Houston are also within a reasonable drive with plenty of offerings. Apartments are affordable in the area for couples including Radcliff and Elizabethtown. All Rights Reserved. After another exhaustive and totally scientific survey of the Army veterans of Grunt Style, those are the 5 worst duty stations in the Army. The Army post is massive with 137,000 acres of property which extends into the nearby counties of Pueblo and Fremont. There are five housing communities on post, and Junction City, Ogden and Manhattan are all short commutes from post. Whether you're an old pro or new to the military moving game, there's stuff to learn about PCSing. Well, there you have it. 1776 Grand Avenue El Segundo, CA 90245 Phone: (310) 955-9600 Fax: (310) 640-9754. However, couples can easily make Schofield Barracks work if you budget accordingly and avoid the common tourist pitfalls of Hawaii. Contents—Continued Headquarters, Department of the Army-directed temporary duty for schooling in conjunction with permanent change of station † 4–2, page 11 Family travel requests (movement to gaining overseas area) † 4–3, page 11 Family travel requests (movement to designated location) † 4–4, page 11 Passport and visa applications † 4–5, page 11 Since the base is in a remote part of the country you have everything you need on-site. The garrison is not large (about two-thirds the size of Central Park in NYC) yet important to the conflicts with South Korea’s northern neighbor. Thus, even though you might feel like its forever until you reach the continental U.S. again you’ll always have that special someone by your side when “island fever” might creep up. The top military base exists in lovely Hawaii in Honolulu. First duty station selection is made (in either basic training or technical school/AIT/A-School), based upon your preferences, and the needs of the service. Fort Leonard Wood is practically halfway between Springfield and St. Louis. There is also a historical significance to serving at Kelley Barracks considering its location in Germany and ties to World War II. If you ask people what their favorite duty station has been you are going to get a lot of different responses. The Very Best Places You Could Get Stationed As a Military Family. Get PCS help and all the news and benefits information you need delivered straight to your inbox. There are certain duty stations that people love and certain duty stations that people hate. Your email address will not be published. You may receive MALT to offset the price of gasoline if driving; or if you are flying, your airline tickets will be paid by the Army. Kelley Barracks serves as the headquarters for the United States Africa Command and U.S. Army Garrison Stuttgart. Military families have options when it comes to housing whether its the affordable midsize city of Fayetteville or the richer suburb of Southern Pines. It’s likely that all your friends and family will want to come out and visit during your time. Fort Carson exists in beautiful Colorado as part of a large military presence in Colorado Springs. There is little debate that serving the military while raising a family is extremely difficult. The on-base amenities are superb with excellent housing (many of which offer oceanfront views). Families cherish Fort Sam Houston for its proximity to San Antonio, affordable housing, and top-rated San Antonio Military Medical Center (“Home of Army Medicine”). The weather is special with a lovely spring and autumn. Related Article – List of Army Bases in the US. The Army helps move military families from one assignment to another and offers several different ways to assist in the transition. The objective of this study was to ... would have to train on one generation of equipment at home station but use a different one while on rotations in Europe. Along with Fort Benning, it is a major training compound with over 82,000 soldiers spending time at the base every year. Frequent moves are one of the best -- and worst -- parts of military family life. Fort Benning is one of the best Army bases for a reason with terrific amenities on-site as well as close proximity to Columbus. How many PCS moves does this make for your family? The Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP) is a mandatory enrollment program that works with other military and civilian agencies to provide comprehensive and coordinated community support, housing, educational, medical, and personnel services to Families with special needs. Around the area of Stuttgart, you’ll appreciate delicious food and tasty beer. Try not to dwell on feeling homesick so much and work to find a place in your new location. Fort Bragg is home to the 82nd Airborne Division, Spec Ops Forces, and PsyOps. Since there are tighter restrictions on how much stuff you can take with you, the military will pay for you to put some of your belongings in storage while also paying to ship the rest of them. Fort Belvoir is among its highlights where it sits on the former Belvoir plantation. It is one of the smaller military bases in the United States yet still important to U.S. Army operations. The fort provides an exclusive bowling alley, mini-golf course, and waterpark for couples looking for a quick and easy date night. You can find a home in just about every type of climate and environment. He will be stationed at Fort Stewart, Georgia, right after graduation. I further understand that any time used as travel time between duty stations will be charged against me as ordinary leave. The best Army bases are not just limited to the United States. The military complex has a ton of history and its evolution has transformed into one of the largest bases in the world. There is always a bit of excitement, anticipation and adventure each time your family relocates to a new duty station. Here are a few of the best Army bases in the world that make fantastic places to get stationed. This program is available to all service members and families no matter where you are moving to. For some fun and g… Virginia is home to more Army bases than any other state in the nation. Caserma Ederle is an Army base in Vicenza, Italy. All rights reserved. These VA Home Loan FAQs ensures Military.com members are fully prepared to take advantage of this exclusive benefit. After McChord Air Force Base joined Fort Lewis in 2010, the military base has become one of the most sought after for both branches, especially singles. Many of the personnel is single and ready to mingle in various parts of the country. The median home cost is $140,000 ($200,000 in Manhattan). Take our advice, though, and don't make these stupid mistakes. The Transition Readiness Program is a Council on Accreditation (COA) certified workplace that offers information and assistance to aid military service members, retirees, veterans, DOD civilian employees and their family members both as they transition from a military to civilian lifestyle and beyond. The best Army bases in the United States offer something for everyone. The Army base is home to the 25th Infantry Division (nicknamed Tropic Lightning Division) along with USARHAW. On the other hand, moving is stressful and potentially pricey. Neptune Park is a fun outdoor venue for live music and socializing. Thankfully, some of the best Army bases in the country help support families with affordable housing, family-friendly amenities, and community support. You also can select to let military orchestrate and conduct your pack out and move through teams of packers and movers. Fort Greely supports the Alaska National Guard with an emphasis on monitoring the security and operation of a Missile Defense Site. Answer: FALSE. It represents the headquarters of the United States Forces Korea (USFK). Get the scoop on discounts, pay, benefits, and our latest award-winning content. The VA loan limit for 2019 is $484,350, but it could actually be more in high-cost counties. Ocean Breeze Waterpark and Atlantic Fun Park are great places to take a date. It has a daytime population of 25,000, and is best known for hosting the 1st Infantry Division (the Fighting First!) Fort Carson is home to the 4th Infantry Division, 10th Special Forces, 4th Security Force Assistance Brigade (SFAB), 440th Civil Affairs Battalion (USAR), and many other units. As a result, joining the Army is an exciting way to pursue your goals while seeing the world. Therefore, if you don’t have anyone attached at your hip than you’ll prefer these locations for how they cater to the singles crowd: Fort Lewis is easily one of the best Army bases in the United States. Bugle calls are second nature to service members, but what on earth are military spouses to do when they hear them? Resources include career exploration, resume writing, job search skills, interviewing techniques, and career assessments. Louisville offers more nightlife and entertainment. Fort Greely presents itself to outdoor enthusiasts as nothing is more wilderness in the nation than Alaska. If you used leave during holiday EXODUS, then you don't have a lot saved up to use. Getting ready for your first PCS? Here are five great tips for ways military families can tackle their next PCS and still be smart about money. The U.S. Army has troops stationed at Caserma-Ederle in support of the 173rd Airborne Brigade and United States Army Africa. The top bases in the world for Army personnel provide great on-post amenities, housing, community support, and things to do in the area. Related Article – Army MOS List: A List Of All 159 Army Jobs. Relocation can be a challenge, not only for you, but for your whole family. That's why experts recommend that you keep a PCS savings fund handy, as well as a variety of other good financial practices. ARMY FAMILY BENEFITS. When home to your first duty station When assigned to government quarters without family members at a new duty station. If this is your first move or 20th, make sure you fully get to know your new military installation. Browse our selections for the best Army bases in the U.S. and internationally, as well as the top bases for singles, couples, and families. Virginia has the highest concentration of Army bases with nine, while Texas (five) and Georgia (four) are second and third. Fort Benning is one of the best Army bases for a reason with terrific amenities on-site as well as close proximity to Columbus. We can help you navigate them all. When transferred … First PCS moves don’t have to be hard. Myth#1: Everyone Will Immediately Like You. Location: Key West, Florida. SO, Cheers to surviving your first Duty Station! While the military pays up front or reimburses you for most of your PCS costs, a lot of cash may leave your bank account before the check comes through. Be sure to send us your thoughts. As a family member of an Army Soldier, you will have access to a wide range of military family benefits, including free legal services through the Office of Staff Judge Advocate, assistance in finding a job, and even discounted travel services. Competition is stiff to get stationed at Schofield Barracks yet you’ll love every waking moment if you are so fortunate. Columbus is the second-largest city in Georgia with a lot to see and do with activities that cater to families. You can select a personally procured (also known as do-it-yourself or DITY) move, for which the military will reimburse you through a complicated calculation that doesn't always seem entirely accurate. Your email address will not be published. How Military Members Can Max Out Their IRAs Each Year. It is hard being new, but all military people know that it is hard … Determining the best Army bases in the world is a tedious task as there are several top-notch facilities worth considering. Just remember: You may still have to pay off the bill out of pocket if the government doesn't reimburse you quickly enough, so having a PCS savings fund is always a good idea. It also acts as the headquarters for the U.S. Army Garrison Vicenza of the United States Army Installation Management Command. Or you can do a combination of those two things called a "partial DITY" in which you are reimbursed for moving some of your own items while allowing military-hired movers to do the rest. The text discusses an Virginia Beach offers plenty of sun with beaches and quick access to the downtown area. Roth vs. FSA accrues from the day of departure from the home station and ends the day prior to arrival at the home stationThis is in addition to any per diem or other entitlements presuming that: Mt. The southern Germany location provides quick escapes to Switzerland, France, or Belgium on extended leave. The popular Army base is known by locals as “Fort Lost in The Woods” because of its rural spot along Old Route 66. The following personal data are submitted: Name: WOLF, John S. Grade: SGT, E5 MOS: 11B Unit and station: Co A, 2d BN, 4th Inf, 86th Inf Division, Fort Service, NY 01122. It is easy to understand why with the Maneuver Center of Excellence, Army Infantry School, and Army Armor School. The historic Army base is one of the largest in the world with 50,000 active-duty soldiers calling it home. Your unit will assign a service member of similar rank and family make-up to help you learn the ropes at your new duty station. You can read about getting those here. Military Protocol 101: The Military Spouse Version, How Military Spouses Should React During Bugle Calls, Answers To Parents' Questions About the Military, Why Virtual Assistant May Be the Perfect Job for a Military Spouse, Tips to Make Your Pre-PCS Househunting Trip a Success, VA Loan Limits for High-Cost Counties: Updated for 2019, tighter restrictions on how much stuff you can take, some other considerations with moving pets, Moving Overseas: Tips for Living in Europe, 5 Easy Ways to Skip the PCS Pack Out Stress, 10 Hacks for Your Military Family’s PCS Move, 5 Tips to Make a Short Term Space Feel Like Home, How Comfortable Are You Financially? You can learn more about personally procured moves here and read some great tips for making it go smoothly here. These eight tips may be just what you need. Housing is also affordable with fair but not spectacular weather. Naval Air Station Key West. The barracks line up against the Waianae mountain range for a spectacular backdrop. The military has a claims process for your items to be fixed or paid for through its Move.mil portal, but using it can be tricky. All the beer you can drink, and it’s … Dislocation Allowance(DLA) Assistance and support are given to individuals, families, and leadership during mobilization and deployments, evacuations, local/national emergencies, and disaster response. Right in your inbox. But there is something special about being out on your own, and making somewhere new your home. The weather is phenomenal but you’ll deal with higher housing and food costs. What makes Fort Belvoir a fascinating station for couples is the quick weekend access to Washington, D.C., and Baltimore. Fort Knox features a rich history as Army camps in the region date to the Civil War. Yongsan Garrison means “dragon hill garrison” in Korean which immediately sets the tone for a cool and exciting place to serve the United States aborad. Senior Enlisted Advisor: First Sergeant Oscar E. Castaneda United States Army. How you get your stuff from one corner of the country or world to another depends on where you are headed and what kind of move you want to do. Let’s Assess Your Financial Wellness, Tips for Selling Your Home During the Pandemic, Troops in Storm-Battered Texas Are Getting More Time to File Their Taxes. Rainier is in your backyard along with every type of outdoor recreation you can envision. With its North Central Kansas location, you can expect to get a tasteof quiet Midwest living. The “Home of the Rugged Professional” is very remote with a base that is more than 100 miles away from a big city (Fairbanks, Alaska). I’d like to get advice or tips on moving (especially your first move) in the Army. Frequent moves are one of the best -- and worst -- parts of military family life. Enjoy family and friends visits. Verify your free subscription by following the instructions in the email sent to: The creep of PCS anxiety is setting in. Moving Services and Transportation - Moving services can be arranged using Move.mil, the Defense … Kelley Barracks, Stuttgart, Germany. For overseas moves, known as OCONUS (including Hawaii and Alaska and U.S. territories that aren't part of the lower 48), things get a little less complicated in some ways, and a little more complicated in others. If you enjoy the outdoors than you’ll love everything the surrounding area has to offer. Kelley Barracks was formerly known as Helenen-Kaserne. The good news is that moves do get a little easier over time. You can find a great base depending on if you are single, in a relationship, or married with children. How To Choose The Right Military Branch For You, Army MOS List: A List Of All 159 Army Jobs, 15 Best States For Military Retirees And Veterans, Army Promotion Timeline for Enlisted & Officers, Army Aircraft Powertrain Repairer (MOS 15D). The Family Member Employment Assistance Program – This program provides military family members with the tools they need to successfully search for employment. While Fort Story is also a great place for families, singles will like that you are near the Chesapeake Bay and miles of hiking trails at First Landing State Park.