Spring and Summer are very busy times for Soldiers and their Families since it is high PCS season. PCS: Permanent Change of Station or in one word: moving. Once your spouse gets an RFO: Request For Orders, it is time to start researching your next duty assignment. With today’s technology and social media, there are several ways to find information; i.e., www.militaryonesource.mil and www.militaryinstallations.dod.mil. Involving the children in the research will ease some of the stress of the unknown. It may even turn a PCS to a great adventure.
This is a perfect time to inventory the items you have and do some “spring cleaning,” hold a yard sale or donate items that have not been used or that you have outgrown.
If you rent, your landlord or the leasing company must be notified of your pending move. If you own your home, you must decide whether to rent or sell. If you decide to rent and use a real estate company, even more research will be needed. This is a good time to talk to your legal office and verify if any local companies are on the off limits list.
Depending on where you will be moving, you will need to decide if you are going to do a Personally Procured Move (DITY move) or set up the shipment of your Household Goods (HHG) on www.move.mil. If this is your first time on this website, I recommend you visit your Transportation office and ask for assistance from a transportation counselor. The www.pcsmypov.com webpage has links to videos which will provide information on shipping or storing your vehicle when moving overseas.
The following programs are services that you should contact after receiving orders to move: ACS Information and Referral and Relocation Readiness Program, the Transportation Office, the Housing Office (on and off post), Temporary Lodging at your next duty station, and if you have children, the School Liaison Officer. All these services will be able to assist you with gathering the necessary information that you will need to make a more educated decision on where you will live and possibly what school you will enroll the children.
Visit your Relocation Readiness Program. They will have information on your next duty station, websites that can assist you before your move and classes to prepare you for your overseas move, as well. If you decide to ship your household goods, don’t forget to check out the Lending/Loan closet inventory. If this is your first move, make an appointment for Individual Relocation Counseling, or see page 17 for more information on ACS Relocation Readiness Workshops.
DID YOU KNOW?Installation Locator is a computerized database that contains Army, Air Force, Navy, and Marine installations. It contains important information about relocating that every Soldier and spouse should know. This information can be printed as a booklet. Also visit Installation Locator on-line at www.militaryonesource.mil.
Lending Hangar
Soldier Service Center, Rm. 177
(334) 255-2887/3161
Everyone knows that moving is no easy feat. That’s why the Fort Rucker Lending Hangar is here to ease the transition for those PCS-ing to or from the installation. Located in Room 177 on the first floor of the Soldier Service Center, the Lending Hangar offers free use of appliances including coffee pots, toasters, dishes, pots and pans, roll away beds, kids’ items, and even televisions.
Ruth Gonzalez, Relocation Readiness Program Manger, encourages the Fort Rucker community to utilize the Lending Hangar’s free service. “It saves you money and can help you be proactive when moving,” says Ruth. “You can ship your household goods early, so you know they will be there when you arrive and still be able to sleep and cook at home without having to pay for fast food. Financially, it’s a good call.”
The most popular items people look for at the Lending Hangar are cookware and sleeping mats. Microwaves are also a popular choice for those moving on post as the Picerne housing does not come furnished with that particular appliance.
Ruth said people are often surprised to learn that the Lending Hangar has televisions available. “Our TV’s are a big hit because not all lending closets have them,” she explained. “People come looking for kitchen and cooking items, but then they see the TV’s and think ‘Yes, entertainment!’” Televisions are available for Soldiers that are PCSing with family. They are available for check-out for a period of 30 days.
The Lending Hangar is open to all government ID card holders including Soldiers, Army Civilians, Family members and Retirees. Service is also available if you’re not in transition. When Family comes to visit for the holidays, the Lending Hangar is there to ensure you are fully equipped to enjoy your visitors.
So how does it work?
If you’re arriving or leaving Fort Rucker you can check out items for up to 30 days (exceptions can be made on a case-by-case basis). You will need to bring the following:
- Current ID card
- PCS orders (if necessary)
- International travel orders (for foreign students)
- Gaining unit & duty phone
- Local address & telephone number
For permanent party or retirees who have Family visiting and need items for short-term lending, simply bring in your ID card.
Every installation has a lending closet that provides free use of basic household items. The inventory of items can vary depending on where you go, so be sure to look into what is available at your destination ahead of time.
The Lending Hangar is open Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. however customers are encouraged to call ahead of time at (334) 255-2887/3161 to ensure someone is available to assist. The Lending Hangar is part of the Relocation Readiness Program with Army Community Services.
