Relocation - Relocation Assistance Programs and Services While moving is always stressful, your stress can be drastically reduced if you take full advantage of the information, education, and personal assistance provided to you by the Relocation Program. This is the place to find answers and get referral to other installation resources as well as assistance with in-transit emergencies. The most important thing you can do to ensure a smooth move is to start planning early using the many Relocation Assistance program services and tools available. Individual PCS Planning -- Most relocation programs offer one-on-one consultation for anyone needing assistance. In particular those making their first military move, first overseas move, or those with challenging and complex situations such as special needs family members or financial problems should call the Relocation Program for an appointment. Military Installations and Plan My Move -- For managing and planning your move, use these two DoD sponsored web-based relocation tools with information on over 250 installations worldwide. You can estimate expenses, find the forms necessary for housing and household goods, keep a calendar of events and take other necessary actions to ensure a successful move. Loan Closet -- Basic household goods items are available to borrow while waiting for your personal property predeparture or upon arrival. The typical items in stock include: pots and pans, dishes, silverware, irons, ironing boards, portacribs, high chairs, and infant/toddler car seats. Generally, towels and bed linens are not available, so these should be packed in your hold baggage. Workshops and Briefings -- The classes offered vary from installation to installation but you can generally find classes on buying, selling and renting smart, budgeting and finance, moving with children, general moving preparation and many other moving related topics. Pre-departure Briefings -- Sometimes called Smooth Move or PCS Briefings, you and your spouse will want to attend for sure. These briefings provide essential information that can prevent you from making uninformed and costly decisions before your move. Settling-in Services -- These may include welcome wagon services, local area tours with childcare often provided, or basic household items to use until your goods arrive. Overseas arrival services may include introductory language classes and cultural awareness training. Deployment Support -- The Family Center assists unit family readiness groups and Ombudsman programs during the entire deployment cycle. Support includes services for special needs, classes on deployment preparation, managing finances, helping children adjust, family separation, return and reunion, and information on resources available locally and on-line. Foreign Born Spouse Support -- Whether your question concerns immigration and naturalization, learning the English language or how to take local transportation, the Relocation Program provides assistance, classes and referrals. Emergency Assistance -- From time-to-time emergencies occur while moving, the Relocation Program office has the resources to provide emergency financial assistance and referrals. Transition Assistance -- This is a mandatory program available to assist personnel and family members when they separate from the military. The Relocation Assistance office will establish your individual transition plan and refer you to all the installation and community resources necessary to complete a successful transition. Installation Specific Information The MacDill AFB Relocation Assistance Team begins with your sponsor and involves the Airman and Family Readiness Center staff with each base relocation agency. There are a number of other agencies on base that manage various aspects of your relocation. The Housing Management Office, Transportation Office, Military Personnel Flight, and your unit of assignment are some examples of the many agencies involved in the relocation process. MacDill AFB offers relocation assessment, counseling and referral. Some of our services targeted specifically for newcomers include the HeartLink Orientation for all incoming spouses married to a military member less than five years, and the Loan Closet. Computers in our Discovery Center are also available for use by military I.D. card holders - this enables new arrivals and TDY personnel to stay in touch with family and conduct necessary business. HeartLink -- This is an orientation for spouses new to the military and is offered at the FSC with free child care and lunch furnished. Please register to attend this program by calling the Airman and Family Readiness Center. "Child Care for PCS" -- The Air Force Aid Society sponsors 2 child care programs, which allow 20 hours per child for all ranks at time of PCS, vouchers for this program are given at the relocation section at the Airman and Family Readiness Center. The other, "Give Parents A Break" which allows free child care at our Child Development Center, one Saturday a month for deployed families. To use this program, you will need a referral from your Squadron Commander/ First Sergeant, Chaplain, or Airman and Family Readiness Center staff. You will also be required to bring a current shot record to the Child Development Center and complete a registration form prior to using the program. In addition, the MacDill Airman and Family Readiness Center offers the following programs and services to all newcomers: Counseling and Assessment -- Our Relocation staff will provide you with a complete briefing on services we have to offer. We will also provide you with assistance and referral to help you get settled in housing, schools, churches, employment, etc. We provide sponsor packages to unit Intro monitors - If you have not received one contact your sponsor or your new orderly room. The Airman and Family Readiness Center will be happy to assist you to resolve any problems or answer your questions concerning your move to MacDill. A&FRC's Transition Assistance Program will provide information and training to facilitate your separation from the Air Force. Also, the Information and Referral Program should be your first stop if you are not sure where you should go for help or information. You may stop by the center or call for an appointment. Each family's needs are different, so there are many agencies, on and off base, that are staffed by specialists who can assist with your specific needs. An updated guide to community and base resources is available at the Airman and Family Readiness Center and has telephone numbers, addresses, and specific information on services. There are a number of other agencies on base that manage various aspects of your relocation. The Housing Management Office, Transportation Office, Military Personnel Flight, and your unit of assignment are some examples of the many agencies involved in the relocation process.