PCS season means that many military families are moving around the world. Many are starting over because they are at new duty stations. Many are starting over because their friends have moved and left them behind. Either way, at some point, military families will have to make new friends, especially for that all-important emergency contact that all the new forms require. It is overwhelming to have so many things to do after a move, here are five ways to get plugged in and make new friends.

Start Digitally

As expected, the first place to start is social media. Look up neighborhood groups or post-specific groups to get a lay of the new ground. Perhaps there is an unofficial unit page where people meet for book club, or there is a kickball league you can join. Finding out about this before you move means you can plan accordingly and get signed up or complete all the required forms.

Don’t neglect other websites beyond the base. Search local travel websites for the best restaurants, museums, zoos, or other attractions in the area. This may lead you to meet other people or be able to plan an outing with new friends you meet.

Say Hello

Once you arrive at your new base, don’t forget to say hi to your new neighbors. It isn’t easy to go next door and ring a doorbell, but if you see your neighbors out and about, don’t forget to say hello and wave. This may lead to a conversation. Make it a goal to say hi to someone new each time you are walking the neighborhood in your first month in your new home. This is usually easier in military housing, where people are used to transient families and want to say hello to learn about the new family. It may be more challenging in civilian or more established neighborhoods, but that doesn’t mean it can’t be done. Gauge others’ interest and comfort levels in talking as you say hello.

Find Small Groups

If you were involved in a bible study, organized sport, or hobby at your last home, now is the time to look for and establish a link in your new community. Having a common interest is an easy and simple way to get plugged in and find new friends. If your kids are used to doing a certain sport, make sure to find that next group, so you get plugged in there. There may be community groups with fellow parents to help in getting acquainted with the new area.

Check out the events calendar on base through Morale and Welfare (MWR) – there are often trips to local parks or theme parks with cheaper costs and parking! It’s a great way to explore a new area while meeting others with similar interests and backgrounds.

Try Something New

If you have always wanted to learn a certain cooking style, or always wanted to do bonsai cutting, and your new community has a center where you can take those classes – now is your chance! Check out your local library to see if they have adult-only classes or sessions. Check the local community center or recreation center for classes. Local community colleges may even offer a sewing or cooking class.  Having a common interest will bring you together with other people with that interest. The local library may even have classes or sessions for kids that allow for age-appropriate fun and learning where the kids and adults will make friends.

Don’t Forget to Ask

When on social media groups, at community events, or at an information session for your child’s activity session, don’t forget to ask for what you are looking for. Perhaps you are looking for the best farmer’s market or where you can find a martial arts class for adults, your favorite search engine can help, but so can other people. Reach out on the neighborhood page for what you are looking for, that may connect you with others in addition to giving you the information you need. While the urge to unpack all the things is strong after a move, part of settling in is meeting others and getting connected. Add it to your to-do list and make it h

Moving to a new school is a challenge. Whether you have moved to a new town or moved up in grade requiring a move in school, it feels like starting over. It is something new, a fresh start, a beginning. This isn’t an easy adjustment or task for adults, much less for the children in your life. If your kids are starting at a new school this year, help them with the new transition.

Plan Ahead

If you are able to, once you know where you are moving to, connect your children with other kids their age at the new duty station. You may not be able to predict the school you are going to if you do not know where you will be moving to, but connecting with someone in the area will help them feel connected to their new area.

If interested, check to see if there is a Youth Mentorship program at your next installation. Check Military One Source here to see if there is a youth program at your next installation, and reach out via email or telephone to see if they have a mentorship program specifically. This program will connect two children of similar ages – through email or letters – to allow children to converse with each other. This can allow your kids to express their concerns to someone else who would understand, someone their age who may have recently gone through a move themselves.

Enroll Ahead

The Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military Children was made specifically with military children in mind. One such amenity is allowing for enrollment with unofficial school records while awaiting official transcripts to be sent. It also allows for 30 days for children to get any necessary vaccinations. If playing sports is important to your child, they can begin playing right away even if they missed tryouts as outlined by the Compact. Read about the Compact more from the Military Interstate Children’s Compact Commission.

Plug Them In

If you are unsure of what school options there are, reach out to the base School Liason. This position is specifically made to provide information on schools to incoming military families. They can provide registration dates, ideas on school options based on housing areas, and any other school-specific questions you may have.

If there is a summer school session, see if the school will allow a tour during school hours or perhaps once it is let out. This allows for familiarizing with the school before the first day. This off-cycle tour doesn’t usually allow for meeting their teacher unless they have already been assigned, but it allows for a chance to see the school, get familiar with the cafeteria and playground, and any special programs your children would be interested in.

Open Houses

When the official open house is announced, make sure to attend. This allows the kids to meet others in their classroom outside of the start of school. This also allows for meeting their teacher and parents to meet others who may be able to help with staying on top of assignments for the year or help with carpooling if you need it in the future. When the parents are plugged into the school, the kids will usually feel more comfortable.

Ask Questions

While your children may have questions, they may be too shy to ask them. When at the new school, ask the teacher how your family can best support the classroom and about expectations. Ask about school activities and get a full school calendar. Ask about independent learning or study if you may need to take an extended absence from school in the future (deployment, pre-deployment, family concerns, etc). Knowing as an adult the expectations for school will help your children know what to expect and be better prepared for the school year.

Get phone numbers from other parents in your child’s classroom to help your kids get connected.

It is impossible to prepare for every scenario, but it is possible to prepare as much as you are able to. Get your kids ready for school with a plan, and get to know their new school, which can help them adjust after a PCS move.

On June 9^th of this year, the Defense Department updated the Reserve Component Military Leave policy to reflect the maternity leave policy change. The policy now states that paid authorized absences in lieu of inactive duty for training for at least 12 training periods, equivalent of three weekends, is allowed for reservists. The law issuing the change in maternity leave went into effect on January 1, 2021. The policy is effective for reservists as of June 9, 2022.

Per the Navy’s message on the leave policy, no “retroactive requests for qualifying birth events on 8 June 2022 or earlier” would be allowed. Prior to June 9, 2022, Reserve members were allowed unpaid maternity leave. During those periods, no accrual of retirement points for those weekends when unpaid leave was utilized.  Maternity leave can be utilized for anyone within 12 months of giving birth. The policy specifically states that the commanders cannot deny the use of the leave during the first three months, and to weight the mission with leave after that. Reservists who experience a live birth, stillbirth or suffer a loss after 20 weeks can utilize the paid maternity leave. Reservists must be in good standing to utilize the leave.

The leave policy does not apply to adoptions, or paternity leave.

Military families have been utilizing support networks for childbirth and the postpartum period for years. Now, certified non-medical labor doulas, certified lactation consultants, and certified lactation counselors will be covered by TRICARE.

The TRICARE Childbirth and Breastfeeding Support Demonstration (CBSD) will cover TRICARE Prime and TRICARE Select enrollees.  This program will run from January 1, 2022, to December 31, 2026, and will include overseas locations on January 1, 2025. It will not cover those enrolled under TRICARE for Life, US Family Health Plan, or the Continued Health Care Benefit Program.

For those enrolled in TRICARE Prime, a referral will need to be placed by the primary care manager if you see a non-network provider, otherwise, no referral is needed.

To qualify for childbirth support and certified labor doulas, you must be enrolled in TRICARE Prime or TRICARE Select, be at least 20 weeks pregnant, and see a TRICARE-authorized provider for the birth. If giving birth in a military hospital or clinic, the doula would not be part of the CBSD plan. Giving birth at home with a certified midwife will be covered as long as the midwife is certified and a TRICARE-authorized provider. Up to six visits with a labor doula will be covered as long as the doulas are within the network or if they are non-network doulas they must meet CBSD qualifications.

To qualify for lactation counselors or consultants and breastfeeding support, you must be enrolled in TRICARE Prime or TRICARE Select, be at least 27 weeks pregnant and receive services from an Independent Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) or Certified Lactation Counselors during an inpatient maternity stay, follow-up outpatient visit or a well-child care visit. Up to six (6) sessions are covered in outpatient sessions if provided through a TRICARE authorized provider or clinic and is billed as a preventative service.

Lactation counselors are non-medical professionals who provide counseling on breastfeeding and support to parents in either individual or group sessions.

Lactation consultants are non-medical professions who provide care in all breastfeeding support including breastfeeding complications. A lactation consultant can also provide care through a group session.

This coverage would be covered without cost shares, deductibles or copayments as long as the provider is within the TRICARE network.

There is no need to enroll in the CBSD, as a TRICARE Prime or Select member, any claims submitted will be covered under the CBSD.

CBS News reports Montana had 4,300 double proxy weddings in 2021. A proxy marriage is a legal option for those who cannot be present at the same time for the wedding ceremony, and “double proxy” means both parties are absent. A proxy wedding can be a terrific option for American service members. Preparing for a military wedding can be a complicated affair because of deployments, training schedules, or frequent moves. Having a proxy wedding can simplify this. Here are some guidelines on arranging a military wedding by proxy.

Know The Requirements

There are only a handful of states where proxy marriages are legal. Montana, Colorado, Texas, Kansas, New Jersey, Utah, and California each have different requirements and fees. Finding out from the local county clerk’s office will be a practical first step. In California, for example, only single proxy marriages are legal, and the stand-ins must have a power of attorney from the service member. In Montana, one party must be a resident or a US military member for a double proxy wedding. 

Tying The Knot

It may be unconventional, but you can still celebrate your love. You can have a ceremony and all the trimmings of typical weddings that can be simple or elaborate. Tying the knot at home may be ideal; your future spouse may not physically be with you, but it will be just as memorable as your loved ones are around you in a familiar place. It is also kinder to the budget, more intimate, and provides flexibility when choosing the big date.

Validating The Marriage

You will need to submit additional documents to authenticate the marriage. The general list includes affidavits, written statements, photos, and hotel or plane ticket receipts. These will prove that you and your partner had a romantic relationship before the ceremony. Requirements may vary depending on the state. You can learn what they are from the local marriage bureau. 

A proxy wedding is a practical option for American service members who want to tie the knot. It is one way to honor your relationship in a non-traditional way. A valid marriage also ensures you will receive all the benefits and help granted to spouses. You can always have a renewal of vows or a second wedding when both of you are in the same place at the same time.

*Article submission by guest writer Jennifer Dawson

The formula shortage is impacting families all around the United States. For military families, this impact follows them around the world wherever they are stationed as the military commissaries are also impacted by the supply chain issues in stocking formula in their overseas stores. TRICARE recognizes this impact.

Which baby formula is covered by Tricare?

As soon as the formula shortage was felt by military families around the world, a prescription for formula was circulating stating that families could get any formula covered for their children. This is not the case. TRICARE does cover baby formula that is medically necessary. This includes infant formula for children (including older children) who have feeding tubes and require formula for eating. High protein formula for infants on ketogenic diet to control seizures and special formulas for children who cannot digest certain foods or nutrients are also covered.

TRICARE does not cover formula for healthy infants or children who do not meet the above guidelines.

What if the formula isn’t available?

If the prescription specifies a type of formula that is not available, talk with your child’s medical provider. The provider may be able to provide other options that will be covered.

What about Nutritional Therapy?

The types of nutritional therapy including medically necessary treatments are listed on the TRICARE website here. Oral, enteral and parental nutritional therapy may be covered with prescriptions.

Will TRICARE ship formula?

No.

What about making your own formula?

Making your own formula is not recommended by the Food and Drug Administration as the homemade infant formula recipes have not been evaluated by their organization for safety and nutrient amount. The FDA recommends talking to your child’s medical provider about any diet changes you are considering.

The hope is that the supply chain breakdown will improve in about two months, the time it takes for production to increase and the supply provided to local area grocery stores. Time will tell what the recovery period will be. If there are any questions about possible TRICARE coverage, contact your TRICARE regional contractor.

Among military families who move every 1-3 years, looking for a home is a common activity. The military orders come and the research begins to find a home, school, new dentists, doctors, hairstylists, etc. This year, among many others, the difficulty to find affordable housing is increasing. While there is military housing – it, unfortunately, is not available for everyone.

San Diego is an area with several military bases. There are approximately 9,000 government homes located in 38 different areas among San Diego – of those around 8,600 units are for enlisted and 600 are for officers. According to San Diego statistics, San Diego hosts around 110,700 active duty personnel. That means, that about 0.08% of those military members are able to be housed in military housing. Of course, there are those members who are on the ship, deployed, or living in the barracks but the reality is that there is not enough military housing to go around for all the military members and their families to live.  

When military members get orders, applying for military housing is the first step. But the reality is that the wait time for military housing is increasing – some locations are telling families they must wait 3 years for housing – the time of their entire military orders. Getting on the list does not guarantee a spot. If you can wait it out, you might get lucky.

Check In With the Housing Office

Even if you do not think you are going to get a military house, going to the housing office can still be useful. Ask in person for a realistic expectation for finding a home on base. Ask if there are outside resources they recommend. Sometimes there are locals or retired military who bring in fliers for rentals in the area. Check if there is a bulletin board outside the housing office, even if within the housing office they cannot or do not provide that information.

Stay in On Base Lodging

If you are unable to find a house within a budget you can afford, perhaps staying in on base lodging is an option in the short term. Historically on-base lodging has been much more affordable, while the new program from Congress has increased the daily rate it is still overall cheaper in regard to other hotels in the area and allows for ease of travel to work and exploring the local area to find housing. This may also allow for the summer moving season and higher rent prices to lower. While it may not always work in regards to rent within BAH, it may lead to a house that you know you and your family can live in for a long time.

Social Media

Do not forget about other military families when asking for housing in the area. Ask people who are already based in the area if there are rentals within their neighborhood. Sometimes word of mouth is how homes go for rent, and it may not ever post online on major websites. Don’t forget smaller websites that are just military families to rent to others – they may only post there and not on bigger websites, which may lower the number of people you are competing with to get home.

Don’t Forget About the Budget

It is easy to get tied up in a bidding war in regards to rental amounts, offering above rental rate to get into a home, but if you can’t afford it in the long run it isn’t worth it. Maybe it is cheaper to store your belongings in a storage unit and rent an apartment while you look for a home of the size you need with the budget you can afford. No, this is not an ideal solution but could be a short-term solution as apartments may allow month-to-month renting while you find a longer-term solution.

Tis the season for PCSing – fa la la la la la la nope.

Ah, okay, so it is the season for PCSing, but it isn’t especially exciting or festive. PCSing often comes with a drive to the next location. When the time to move comes along, it can mean it’s time for a fun road trip. Don’t just take routes A to B, make it an adventure and make it a PCS Vacation Road Trip.

The first step is to ask off for leave in conjunction with the PCS. Each PCS move comes with a certain number of days off. Depending on the distance, anywhere from 7-9 days are allotted. Add in 10 days of leave and you have a good chunk of time off to see the country.

Take Your Time

The hard part about PCS is the stress. Sometimes you just want to get from point A to B to get it done. But taking time off in conjunction means you can take it slow. Drive only two hours and then stop at a park and play for several hours. Check out the list of museums offering free admission in the summer as part of the Blue Star Museums program. This program is a collaboration between the Blue Star Families program and the National Endowment for the Arts. Museums that participate offer free admission to the military members and their families from Armed Forces Day in May to Labor Day in September.  Check out National Parks along the way while utilizing the National Park Military Pass. The National Parks offers a free annual pass to military members and their dependents, and it can be renewed as long as valid ID can be shown at renewal. An epic road trip to be had! All those Pinterest boards and travel Instagram accounts you have followed may be inspiration, but you can live it.

Stop Along the Way

Perhaps you have taken the time off and planned your route but really only see three or four cities you want to explore, make the most of it. Drive those long hours and miles to get to the destination (safely) and then stay for a few days. Check out extended stay hotels with kitchens to make the most of the stay. Having longer stays means you can actually jump into the pool instead of just walking by it on the way in and out the door on your long legs. You can enjoy the local scenery and check out local cuisine.

Historic Routes

Across the country, the I-40 stretches and plays host in some areas to Route 66. Corduroy Road goes through the Carolinas on the east coast. Maybe you grew up on the Oregon Trail, well you can drive along with parts of the route from Illinois to Oregon. Want to take on the first road for cars? That’s the Lincoln Highway for you. There are so many amazing road trips to be had – just need the time to make it happen, and PCS time can be that opportunity.

Make It A Vacation

If you are like the many Americans, you have vacation days left to burn. According to Forbes, in 2019 there were 768 million unused vacation days. And in 2020, 55% of US workers did not use all of their paid time off. Do not be a statistic. Take the time. If the operation tempo at work led to the inability to take time off, this is your chance. Make the most of the PCS and take the vacation.

PCS time is a stressful time period- make the most of the known ability to take time off and make it a vacation to lessen the stress.