Summer is over and you’re ready to explore your location in some cooler weather (finally). Your local military base has a wealth of resources to help you and your family or friends create tons of exciting adventures all fall!

Jump Into Fall with On-Base Resources and Events

The military community, wherever you’re located, is the place to be for cool trips, fun festivals and interesting adventures.

Fall Festivals for Families On Base

Units, family readiness groups and morale centers are hosting all the festivals this fall!

Check out the social media feed for your particular location, including the community services page (MWR, MCCS, etc.), to stay in the loop about what’s happening every day.

Many bases will host Fall Festivals, Halloween events and even fitness shindigs this month – and through the end of the year. There will be lots of crafts and activities for the whole family to enjoy.

Fall is also a prime time for adults-only ventures, like wine festivals. From free wine tastings, like the one hosted recently at Joint Base Fort Myer-Henderson Hall, to paid events, like the wine tasting parties in Okinawa.

No fall festivals on your base? No problem! Rent party supplies, like chairs and tables, or set aside time in a community event space for a DIY fall festival. Invite your neighbors, folks from the unit or keep it small with a close group of friends. Play games, eat comfort foods and kickback while enjoying all that fall offers!

Fitness for Military Communities in Autumn

There are tons of military fitness events, from races to expos, held on military bases around the country and world right now.

Check with your on-base gym and community services or morale and welfare offices for specifics. For example, there are sometimes cool post-Thanksgiving exercise-a-thons at the gym or Friday Fun Runs hosted by MCCS or MWR.

There are also giant fitness events that attract participants or competitors on a much larger scale. DC, for example, hosts both the Army 10 Miler and Marine Corps Marathon races which draw runners from around the world. Racers: look for the 2020 registrations for these events next spring!

Beyond events, many classes and fitness groups at the on-base gyms offer seasonal classes with specific start and end dates. These sometimes come at an additional cost, but also offer specialty services like BootCamp fitness or advanced yoga practices. Check with your fitness center for their latest fitness schedule.

Get Off Base for Adventures

Want to go bigger? Head over to ITT for incredible opportunities beyond the base gates. You can snag tickets to events, attractions and even complete vacation packages, too!

Look for unique-to-your-area events, like fall foliage tours or local amusement parks, that you can’t do anywhere else. Fall might be a great time to go on a Hornblower tour in San Diego or go to a college game in SEC country.

Head over to Outdoor Recreation, or your base’s equivalent, to snag a ton of cool outdoor equipment for super cheap and sometimes free! From camping gear to kayaking needs, this office has got your bases covered. This is a great opportunity to try a new outdoor activity without the pressure of needing to like it passionately because you’ve invested a ton of money in the supplies. When you’re done, simply return the equipment and walk away.

If you’re looking for a true out-of-town experience, ITT and MilitaryShoppers can totally help! ITT and MilitaryShoppers Travel Club both have inside tracks on the sweetest deals at the hottest properties around the world. From hotels in big cities to luxurious resorts, you can find all sorts of great places to explore!

Or try military-owned hotels and resorts. You can leaf-peep in Seoul at the Dragon Hill Lodge, explore Hawai’i from the on-base lodges or take in Oktoberfest at Eidelweiss in Germany.

Do all the things! And ITT will help you offer them cheaper than face-value, at the gate prices.

Halloween Happenings On Bases Everywhere

Get spooky this fall with cool events on-base!

One of the best places to trick-or-treat is actually on base. Houses are often totally decorated for the holiday with residents going all out on the candy! Many houses give out full-size candy bars, too.

Beyond traditional trick-or-treating, there are also tons of trunk-or-treat opportunities. Different organizations sponsor different events on and around military bases.

Pick your costumes and grab your bags for a fun, spooky Halloween on base!

What’s happening on or around your military base this fall? We’d love to check out your fave fall events!

As Military Families we tend to gravitate towards our own and with multiple deployments and the stress of military life sometimes our military friends are the only ones that can understand what you are going through but having civilian friends are important too. They are often a source of information that your military friends may not know about the local area and having a civilian friend can just feel normal and get you away from talking about military life.

My friend Kim has been that friend for me. She is the one that knows all the cool things like the bakery that sells this unique cinnamon bread which is so tightly swirled it looks like the rings on a tree trunk. Kim knows all the locals go to a certain marina to get the best deal on crab. She is my go-to source of information for my local area. I love that she knows about the warehouse coat sale and so many other things.

Meeting civilian friends can be a challenge as many already have friends from 1^st grade or plenty of family in the area and just don’t have room for a new friend in their lives. Don’t get discouraged, there is always someone who will be open to a military friendship. So how do you meet new civilian friends? My top three places: church, school and the gym.

Church is a great place to meet people. We have always chosen to attend a church off the military installation. Sundays to me means getting away from the military culture even if it just an hour. Most church communities no matter what your faith have a variety of groups you can join. This is an easy way to meet new people as organizations always need volunteers. For families with small children many churches have a Mom’s Money Out for a small fee or a co-op where you volunteer in exchange for childcare. Working with other Moms gives you a chance to get to know each other and you have children in common.

Another way to meet friends is through your children’s school or sports team. We always sent our children to Catholic schools which had mandatory volunteer hours. I can remember working on the teacher appreciation luncheon and I met so many nice people. Volunteering at your PTA will help you meet other parents who care about education.

Over the years I’ve met lots of friends over shared workouts. Although I appreciate being able to use the gyms on post for free, sometimes it is just too much testosterone for me. Some workouts are more geared to meeting people than others, so you need to find what works for you. A fitness facility located near a coffee shop makes it easy to interact with people. “Oh, I saw you at the gym, how do you like Missy’s class”. It is a natural opening that elicits a response and maybe even a “Would you like to join us?”

Don’t be afraid to say, “I just moved here.” Asking advice on local things is an easy opener to get a conversation going. My friend, Kim and I started as casual acquaintances as she worked at my children’s school. After working with her on a volunteer project we became friends. The most recent thing I learned from her is the best neighborhood in the area. We both bought homes there and now walk in the mornings. Since we decided to retire I now have what I hope to be a lifetime friendship.

Marguerite Cleveland is a freelance writer who specializes in human interest and travel stories. She is a military brat, a veteran and now a military spouse.  Her military experience is vast as the daughter of a Navy man who served as an enlisted sailor and then Naval Officer. She served as an enlisted soldier in the reserves and on active duty, then as an Army Officer. She currently serves as a military spouse. She lives in the Pacific Northwest with her husband and two sons. Visit her website www.PeggyWhereShouldIGo.com

I ran a wine club for a few years for our military spouses’ club. Each month we would have a different theme but we always did a Halloween Candy Wine Tasting in October. This is super fun and a huge hit because who doesn’t love wine and chocolate. Decide for your event if you want to do a tasting or a pairing. You can Google Halloween candy wine tasting and a variety of charts and websites will come up. I personally like Vivino because not only does it provide a chart with the pairing it also provides tasting notes from partner sommeliers like Joel Caruso who pairs Pinot Noir with KitKats.

“Although variations of Pinot Noir can be dramatic, they always tend to carry a tense and nuanced red fruit quality. This makes the milk chocolate and wafer combo feel like a chocolate dipped raspberry pulled straight out of the fridge. I’d suggest terroir driven Pinot Noirs like those from Sonoma Coast or Burgundy that will bring out earthiness and tannin for a more complex pairing. Tannin is mellowed by the chocolate, and the earthy qualities can create a mushroom-flavored effect,” says Caruso on the  Vivino website.

To plan your event, decide which candies you will want to pair with wine. For a group pick about six candies and select mostly chocolate and try a few like starburst or jolly ranchers. Next pair with the wine. Reds go very well with chocolate while tart candies pair well with sweeter whites such as Moscato and gewürztraminer. Plan water for each guest and add one or two charcuterie platters with meats and cheeses with a French baguette to help break up the sweetness from all that candy. Provide each guest with a pen and small notebook or printed sheets to take notes with. I think it is important to have a leader read tasting notes like the one above from Vivino and have everyone taste one wine at a time. It is interesting to hear each person’s take on the wine you are tasting.

 For a more casual event, have a post Halloween impromptu wine get together with left over Halloween candy and have guests just bring a bottle of wine they have at home.  Make up your own pairings based on what everyone brought. It is a fun way to “wine” down after all the Halloween chaos.

If you want to learn more about wine check with your local military spouses club. Many have wine subclubs and it is a great way to gain more experience in a comfortable environment.

Marguerite Cleveland is a freelance writer who specializes in human interest and travel stories. She is a military brat, a veteran and now a military spouse.  Her military experience is vast as the daughter of a Navy man who served as an enlisted sailor and then Naval Officer. She served as an enlisted soldier in the reserves and on active duty, then as an Army Officer. She currently serves as a military spouse. She lives in the Pacific Northwest with her husband and two sons. Visit her website www.PeggyWhereShouldIGo.com

Yeah, a blow out football party in the barracks is possible. Yeah, you might get noise complaints. No, it might not be looked upon kindly by your CoC. Should you do it? Heck, yes!

Host a Blow Out Football Party in Your Barracks Room

It’s fall, which means football season. Whether you’re a die-hard SEC fan or you prefer the highly paid athletes of the NFL, football games call for parties.

If you can’t get to the stadium to tailgate, you can still invite some battle buddies to your space for a super chill game night bash.

(Okay, you can totally use these tips outside of the barracks, too)

Make Like Mom & Slow Cook

Nothing says football like food – and lots of it! Keep your energy going for the whole game or day with hearty, stick-to-your-ribs dishes. Just like Mom used to make.

Plus, if you can invest in a slow cooker, you’re going to open up a whole new world of food away from the chow hall. Total bonus.

Slow-Cooked Ribs

You’ll need:

• slow cooker, the bigger the better
• 1-2 racks of ribs (fewer racks for a smaller cooker)
• your favorite BBQ sauce
• can of Coke or Dr. Pepper
• seasonings: paprika, cinnamon (trust me), salt, pepper, brown sugar, cloves
• onion, sliced into rings

How to:

1. Spray the slow cooker with non-stick cooking spray; chop the onion into rings
2. Put a layer of onion on the bottom, then a layer of ribs – breaking them into smaller chunks to fit the cooker; repeat layering until all ribs and onions are used
3. Dump bottle of BBQ sauce + can of soda + seasonings of your choice into the slow cooker
4. Set on low for 6-8 hours
5. Eat

Slow-Cooked Meatball Subs

You’ll need:

• frozen pre-cooked meatballs
• 1-2 jars your favorite marinara sauce
• sub rolls
• cheese and toppings for making meatball subs

How to:

1. Add frozen meatballs and sauce to slow cooker
2. Cook on low for 3-4 hours OR high for 1-2 hours
3. Serve meatballs with rolls and toppings

Round out your feast with chips, dips and salsa. If you’re more health-minded, and you should be because that PFT deadline is closing in, reach for hummus and veggie sticks. You can get pre-sliced veggies at the Commissary!

For a no-prep meal, order a bunch of sandwich meats and cheeses from the deli. Provide some sub rolls and toppings for DIY hoagies!

Prep the Tech

Honestly, you’re probably better at this part than me so I’ll leave the logistics and wiring up to you. (But 100% take my word on the cooking – I’m really good at feeding a group of hungry Marines!)

Basically, you’re going to want to make sure that you have optimized your viewing options. You’re not a one-game kind of crowd.

Set up multiple screens – TVs, laptops, iPads – to watch several games at once. Work with your buddies to combine your financial resources and tech know-how. You’re going to want to make sure that you have access to all the networks and viewing platforms. Do this part before the weekend. Or, actually, I’m guessing you’ve got this covered.

Put Your Field Gear to Good Use

Got some clean(ish) sleeping bags or camp stools? Pull out the field gear to create slightly more comfortable seating options for everyone.

Just maybe shake everything out once or twice outside. No one wants to be surprised by a huntsman spider on their head, am I right?

Word to the Wise

Gents (and ladies), if you’re hosting this shindig in or around your barracks room, it pays to keep a cool (and soberish) head on your shoulders.

Don’t be obnoxiously intoxicated. That’s a bonafide way to get extra PT on Monday or NJPed with litter picking. No one wants that, but especially not you. Having Top rip you a new one first thing is extremely unpleasant.

Watch the underage drinking. If you’re drinking around those who are under 21 years old, be on your guard. It’s still technically illegal to knowingly serve alcohol to people under the legal age.

Keep the noise down – someone might be trying to sleep off a few weeks in the field. Remember how tired you were after a few nights or weeks spent on the hard ground, “camping” with your closest buds in the cold, fall air? Yeah, that guy down the hall just got back and he’s tired. Be respectful of his sleep.

Most importantly: Do not, under any circumstance, drink and drive. Getting a DUI can often spell the end of your promising military career and a black mark on your permanent record. Plus, you could seriously injure or kill someone – yourself included. If you or any of your buddies need to leave the barracks post-game, call a cab, a ride-share or designate a sober driver.

Where do you go to watch the big game when you’re living in the barracks? Share your best tips with us!

The hills are alive with all the colors! At least they are if you live in certain bases and places. But (luckily) we can all travel to peep some fall leaves near these military bases!

Peep Some Fall Leaves Near These Military Bases

From mid-summer to late fall, military families can see gorgeous oranges, reds and golds throughout the US and around the world.

Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Anchorage, AK

According to Amy Buschatz, Executive Editor of Military.com, head to Alaska super early for gorgeous fall foliage.

“It’s brilliant but short-lived,” she said. “The neat thing about Alaska is that often the fall foliage is on the ground because the mountains turn different colors, too.”

You can start enjoying beautiful leaves starting in mid-August. Just be sure to make your trip before mid-September, or you’ll miss this super short colorful season!

Naval Sub Base New London, CT

Even though this base is located along the coast in Groton, CT you can head out to the western side of the state for the most beautiful leaves in southern New England.

Trips to Discover recommends the Litchfield Hills for gorgeous hues!

Bangor Air Force Base, ME

Northern New England is known for stunning foliage, with the first leaves turning in late August and the last leaves falling sometime in October or November.

From Bangor, you can head west to the Green and White Mountains, part of the larger Appalachian Mountain Range. While you’re wandering around in the mountains, pick up some maple syrup and fresh-picked apples, too!

Presidio of Monterey Army Base, CA

Lucky you, living in Monterey! You’ve got a great seaside location and easier access to Napa and Sonoma, which is where the pretty leaves are at.

Not only will you enjoy the vibrant hues, there’s also the opportunity to sip some vino. Napa and Sonoma are famous worldwide for their high quality, diverse wines.

The Pentagon & Virginia Bases

Go west, military families! The Shenandoah Valley is one of the most popular places to peep foliage along winding mountains roads and through rural valleys.

Skyline Drive is the place to be, and it’s reasonably accessible from bases all over Virginia, from the DC-region to Virginia Beach and Norfolk.

While you’re driving, swing into Luray for some super safe spelunking-light experiences wandering through subterranean caves!

Fort Campbell, Clarksville, TN

The Smokies are stunning in fall. The mountains start turning in late-September and continue through November or so.

Clarksville is smack in the middle of the state and along the northern border. Which means that you have access to tons of gorgeous leaves!

So go east, go west and go north to enjoy amazing colors no matter where the road takes you.

Iwakuni, Yakota & Fukuoka Japan

Military spouses living in the land of the rising sun can take in the glories of fall, too! Fall leaves start turning in northern Japan around mid-September, but peak season for the Tokyo and more southern main island locations lasting through December.

Hiroshima is a beautiful spot to check out fall foliage, plus access the floating torii on Miyajima with pretty reds and yellows starting in mid-November.

JR Rail, the national railroad system throughout the main island, has even prepared a helpful guide with anticipated fall color dates for travelers.

Camp Humphreys, South Korea

Starting around mid-September, South Korea will be awash in all the fall colors! From the southern islands to the DMZ, leaf peepers will be able to feast their eyes on incredible foliage all over the nation.

Be sure to check out the Seoul Tower for stunning views of the entire city. Another great option is to wander near the US Yongsan base through the Itaewon and Yongsan districts, full of eclectic eateries and quirky boutiques for shopping.

Ramstein Air Force Base, Germany

No matter where you’re located in Germany (we just picked this particular location out of the many US bases), fall is a great time to be bopping around here.

Enjoy Oktoberfest, which is already well underway, throughout the country with large steins, yummy sausage and pretty leaves. It’s practically a requirement.

Where do you go to peep fall leaves? We’d love to check out some of your secret foliage spots!

We just finished a monster of a PCS. And while everything went pretty well, I would have sure loved a little more support with organization and streamlining.

Perhaps something in the literal palm of my hand?

Luckily, there are tons of new apps out there designed for just this purpose. From service-specific apps to more general designs, there is sure to be an app (or two) out there to help your military family have an easier PCS!

10 Apps & Sites to Make Your Next PCS So Much Easier

When you’re on a tight timeline with about a million balls in the air, it helps to have everything in one place. These apps will set your military family on the path to make your next PCS easier!

My Ultimate PCS

Developed by military spouses, Moni Jefferson and Maria Reed, this simple, streamlined app keeps everything together! There are options to sync between the app and your calendar, making hitting deadlines so much easier! Plus, you can plan every stage of your trip, monitor checklists and take photos of all your high-value items before they get packed up.

My PCS Mobile

The Navy just launched a brand new way to track and monitor PCS moves – but it’s just for sailors. Best of all: no app needed! Launch this all-in-one app from any browser, anytime. Get started at the Navy App Locker!

MilitaryByOwner

House hunting is one of the most challenging aspects of any PCS. Trying to hit the sweet spot of BAH, ideal commute, great schools and good neighborhood is hard. MilitaryByOwner makes it easier with home for rent or sale by military families – just like you! You can search by base, BAH and commute distance. Plus, since everyone is military, your new landlords totally get the PCS process.

PCSMyPOV

You’ve got two cars and you’re moving cross-country. It can be a logistical nightmare for sure. Deciding who drives, what gets shipped and how much you’re willing to pay is stressful. Take some of the stress out of your PCS with this simple car shipping service – with an accompanying app, too! Search shippers, peek at rates and finalize your POV’s big move.

Google Maps

Know what worse than getting lost in your new hometown? Actually, no that is the worst. Stay in the know about where to go with Google Maps (or Apple Maps or Waze or your other favorite GPS app). With Google you can do a quick check of your surroundings for restaurants, parks and grocery stores. Bookmark important locations, like your child’s school or the best running trail.

Your Favorite Hotel App(s)

Whether you are road-tripping or flying, you’re going to need someplace to lay your head along the way. Download your favorite hotel app or apps to try to save a little green on great locations. Some great options:

• Hotels.com
• Booking.com
• Marriot Bonvoy
• Kayak

BringFido

Have dog, will travel! Feel better about taking your puppy pal along for the adventure with BringFido. This app helps pet owners find hotels that will also welcome their pup.

Playground Buddy

Long TLF stays get old quick. Even just a few days of travel can be wearing, especially with kids. Find places and spaces to stretch everyone’s legs with Playground Buddy! This app helps parents locate playgrounds nearby. Bonus: this app had listings for playgrounds all over the world!

USA Rest Stops

When you’ve gotta go, you’ve gotta go and USA Rest Stops can help you locate something close by ASAP. You’ll be able to see where rest stops are located before you leave or search along the way. Plus, if you’re trying to combine a bathroom break with a quick bite to eat, you can also check to see what each rest stop offers – including their hours!

Priority Pass

If you’re passing through airports, you need to check out Priority Pass. It’s basically your all-access pass to luxury airport lounges. Think: free food, faster(er) WiFi and maybe a hot shower. You can purchase an annual membership with Priority Pass, but many credit cards like Chase Saphire or AMEX Platinum include this deal for cardholders. And these two cards specifically do not charge active duty troops the annual card fee! Which makes getting free Priority Pass a no-brainer for less stressful PCS flights.

What are your top tips or apps to make PCSing even smoother for military families? Sound off in the comments!

By Marguerite Cleveland

Alcoholic Beverages are a big part of military culture. From Right Arm nights, grog bowls, military balls to wine clubs there are plenty of opportunities to imbibe. Here are a few tips to keep you on the straight and narrow.

I’ll never forget one event when I was still in the Army and my boss was sent to the grog bowl way too many times and got totally trashed. It was so embarrassing as his behavior was atrocious and I remember feeling so bad for his wife.  So don’t be that guy.

1. The Grog Bowl – Know your limits. This foul concoction is super potent, think zombie shots on steroids. Most units now offer a non-alcoholic version and that may be your best option. Typically it is only the service member that is sent to the bowl. If you are a spouse plan to be the designated driver that night, Uber or stay a hotel near the venue.

2. Military Balls and other events. Although these events can be fun remember they are not prom. These are more like the office Christmas Party where people tend to let their hair down a bit. Just be aware that people will note your behavior and talk the next day. For a service member boorish behavior could have repercussions I your professional life.

3. Uber and designated drivers are your friends. Never drink and drive. Unlike the civilian world, your off duty activities can affect a service member’s career in a negative way. Getting a DUI can result in a letter of reprimand or an Article 15 which will follow you throughout your time in the military. Don’t let a beer ruin your career.

4. Coffees, Wine Club and other Spouse Drinking. Wine at a coffee, yes it is a thing. There are many opportunities for military spouses to get together and socialize. The key thing is to recognize whether an event is semi-official. Usually a coffee is a get together of military spouses whose service member is in the same unit. These can be fun but when it comes to imbibing adult beverages less is more. This is not the time to let your hair down. Wine Club is a more relaxed environment. These are everything from casual neighborhood/friends get togethers to more structured clubs.  This is a more fun acceptable time to let your hair down a bit.

5. How much to drink? Know your limits. My suggestion would be one or two drinks, beer or glasses of wine in an evening. For some one drink is enough while some people can handle two drinks. The key is not to get trashed, wasted, tanked or plastered at an event.

     How much do you think is appropriate to drink at a military social event? Have you ever seen someone cross the line by imbibing too much alcohol?

Marguerite Cleveland is a freelance writer who specializes in human interest and travel stories. She is a military brat, a veteran and now a military spouse.  Her military experience is vast as the daughter of a Navy man who served as an enlisted sailor and then Naval Officer. She served as an enlisted soldier in the reserves and on active duty, then as an Army Officer. She currently serves as a military spouse. She lives in the Pacific Northwest with her husband and two sons. Visit her website www.PeggyWhereShouldIGo.com

By Marguerite Cleveland

     So you have arrived at your new duty station and want to meet new friends, should you join the Spouses’ Club? I have always enjoyed my time with Spouses Clubs especially when I had small children at home. It was so nice to go to a luncheon and have “adult” time with other ladies. The best part about spouses clubs are the sub clubs which are where a group of spouses get together to enjoy shared interests. Popular ones include wine club, book club, lunch bunch (how fun to just go out to lunch, so low stress) and fitness or running clubs. Many spouses have misconceptions about the clubs or maybe had a bad experience at another club. Here are some common objections and why you should ignore them.

Spouses Clubs are run by snooty senior spouses.

     Now clubs are run by a variety of volunteers and senior spouses tend to serve more as mentors. Clubs are now all ranks community clubs not separated for spouses of officers or enlisted members.

Spouses Clubs are cliquey and I won’t know anybody.

     Military spouses are the friendliest people I know. Most clubs have a hospitality chair which helps to welcome new members. At the beginning of a club year usually August or September there is a sign up event. So many people are new each year and looking to make friends just like you are. I’ve always enjoyed the comradery I’ve found with my fellow military spouses. They know what you are going through and are always there for you. It is such a great way to meet new friends especially if you join a sub club. Can you imagine how nice it is to have lunch buddies or a group of friends to sample new wines?

I will have to volunteer.

     Most likely someone will ask you to volunteer as clubs seem to always be short on volunteers but there is no obligation. At one assignment, we lived far from the base so I just attended the monthly luncheons. Also volunteering is not all or nothing. You can volunteer for just a single event or activity. I’ll be honest, I used to be the last person in the world who would volunteer for anything but when my children went to a school that had mandatory volunteer hours. I tried to get out of it due to my husband’s deployment but they wouldn’t budge. It turned out to be such a positive experience for me. Even though it was work, I still feel like I gained much more than I put out. Volunteering forces you to look at someone other than yourself.

     So the next time, you PCS to a new duty station, consider joining the Spouse’s club.

It’s done. You’ve moved and you’re in the post-PCS honeymoon period. New house, new unit, just settling in and exploring.

Ahhhh, yes, it’s like a mini-vacation. You know, except for the one million things you still have left to do after your big move.

Don’t Miss a Beat with Your Post-PCS Must Do Checklist!

Instead of scrambling (again) to do all the things that might have slipped your mind, use our list! Straight from a 10+ year, 5+ move military spouse it’s all the things you might forget to do post-PCS.

Mail Call Updates

• Change your address on everything: magazines, subscription services, Amazon – all the important stuff!
• Stop the current mail hold and forward to your new address
• Update your credit cards and bank accounts to match your new address
• Send a change of address card or (let’s be real) email to your nearest and dearest

You can use USPS’s website and virtual services to set up a mail hold and arrange for forwarding services. There is a nominal service fee attached. Or you can go to a physical post office and get the same services done for you, for free.

Call up the various money accounts and mail services you have set up. Or use their online portals to change your address.

Mostly, just try to hit the important stuff: credit cards, banks, magazines and subscriptions of all kinds. You definitely don’t want your wine of the month club going to anyone else!

DEERs-ly Beloved

You already know that your life, service member and family alike, revolves around the info stashed in DEERS. Literally, everything.

Make sure it’s updated ASAP after you arrive and/or check-in to a new unit. It seems to go fastest if the service member goes down to update everything.

For When You Get Sick…

Medical care is decided based on region, with different options available based on where you are living or stationed. Right after you update DEERS, do these things:

• Check the plans and options available to you in your new location – there’s even a handy plan comparison tool on Tricare’s website!
• Contact Tricare or USFHP, if applicable, to enroll. You can do it via mail, online or over the phone
• Update your dental insurance with the new address/location
• Find a new doctor and/or dentist
• Make an appointment
• Arrange for your records to be transferred from your last medical office or MTF to the new one.
• Double-check your records made it, even if you went MTF to MTF.
• Triple-check that any and all allergies and serious issues made the transfer, too

Your New House

Cool! You got a place and it’s pretty okay, but now you’ve got a few things to line up.

• Insurance is needed for renters and homeowners alike
• Extra insurance for natural disasters, based on where you live
• Gas, water, sewage, trash, electric, recycling and cable/internet all need to be set up…again
• Do a walkthrough, even if you bought your house, to make sure things work properly and are safe; renters: let your landlord know about any issues ASAP
• Check the hot water settings and adjust as needed
• Snake the drains and use clog solution so you have a fresh start
• Check the septic and well, if applicable; ask about any restrictions, like garbage disposal or bleach use
• Confirm HOA rules, if any

Beyond the nitty-gritty of safety and basic living, you might also need to take into account how your HHG will fit into your new space.

• Measure every room, each window and all your furniture
• Don’t be afraid to move pieces around as needed until it feels right
• Rethink single-purpose items and be creative
• Check out the light situation in each room to see what you have from natural light and ceiling lights
• Think about curtains or shades to help with sound sleep, based on how much light comes into each room in the morning and night
• Meet your neighbors and let them know when the moving trucks will show up; ask about best options so that you’re not bothering anyone more than necessary

Things That Go Beep

Every military family seems to do the vehicle thing a little differently. Some get new licenses and registrations in every state while others keep it local in their hometown.

Your call. But either way:

• Update your driver’s license address, even with a white envelope label, just in case
• Change your car, boat, motorcycle, RV insurance policies and addresses
• Make sure your EZPass is linked to your new home
• Check up on your lease or loan agreements for vehicles you’re making payments towards
• Update or completely change your registrations, if needed
• Apply for resident parking passes, if needed, at your new home

Location, Location, Location

Making all the updates doesn’t do you any good if you don’t know your way around your new hometown!

Make sure you:

• Pin important places to your preferred GPS-platform: doctor, hospital, grocery store, playgrounds, parks, pools, Target, best ice cream spot – the essentials
• Pin your new house, or the closest intersection, in your GPS app
• Drive around!
• Walk around (it’s better for the environment)
• Try new places, leave the house, talk to people in your neighborhood

You might also want to check on:

• Pet or animal registration requirements and restrictions
• Trash and recycling
• Farmers markets
• HOA regulations

Kids & Schools

If you have kids, they might need to go to school. Even if you homeschool, you’ll still have a little bit of footwork to do!

Please make sure you:

• Locate your zoned public school or preferred private school
• Homeschoolers: read the state/local laws and regulations governing homeschooling, register as needed
• Register for public or private school
• Take your child to the doctor for a well-visit and updated immunizations, if needed
• Get school supply lists and purchase items as needed
• Assess the clothing/uniform rules to ensure compliance
• Determine how your child will be getting to school
• Set up a school lunch account, if needed or desired

For parents of littler ones, you might be hunting for a preschool or daycare. You’ll want to:

• Locate several options, including the CDC on-base if available
• Contact each preschool or childcare center via phone and/or email
• Determine enrollment requirements (potty training, starting age, etc.)
• Compare prices, inclusions, programs and extras (swimming lessons, extended hours, etc.) to see which ones might be the best fit
• Tour one or more of your preferred options to see if it really works
• Apply, get accepted and pay tuition!

Make sure that you fully vet all preschools and daycare providers for licensure, experience and references. Not all providers are created equal!

Make a List

Here’s the thing: even with a list of all the little things, there is going to be something that’s missed. Hopefully it’ll be something super little – like you’ve missed out on a cool dog park or something for a few weeks.

As you settle into your new home, make a list of questions or things to do and buy in a central location. Stick a whiteboard or chalkboard wall decal somewhere and jot stuff down as you think of it. Or keep a running list on your phone’s notes app.

Certain things only apply in some locations, like mass transit in the city or how to avoid tractors in the country. Try to imagine different scenarios that will pop up in the first 6 months or so, then make a plan for them.

What else is on your must-do list post-PCS? We’d love to use your wisdom!

By Marguerite Cleveland

     One of the most difficult parts of a PCS move is helping a child navigate a new school system. I attended six schools from K-12 and in one epic year three schools. My own children have attended six schools as well. It is a rite of passage for military kids and one they will survive. I was a very shy and quiet child and the frequent moves helped bring me out of my shell. I have seen the same positive effects on my eldest who was on the shy side as well.

     One of the best intros to a new school my youngest had was when shortly after we had moved in there was a knock on the door and this confident kid bounced in and said that he heard my son was going to his school and he wanted to meet him. They spent time hanging out over the summer. On the first day of school my son thought he might be abandoned, but his new friend made a point to introduce him to everyone.

Even though there are positives it is still tough being the new kid. Here are a few tips to help make the transition easier.

• Never tell your child how hard it is going to be or put your own fears upon them. Let the child reflect how they are feeling. Listen and acknowledge, but don’t feed their fears with your own.
• Check to see if your child’s new school offers any summer programs. This will give them an opportunity to meet other children from their school.
• Look at the Youth Programs on your installation and sign your children up for some fun activities. If you live on a military base chances are they will meet children going to their new school.
• Sports Camps are another way for your children to meet other kids.
• Schedule a tour of the new school for your children. Take advantage of any orientations or opportunities to meet teachers before the first day of school. Ask if your school has a program to pair new students with a peer sponsor.
• Make sure you and your child are prepared for the first day. Read the school handbook and ensure you know all the rules especially the dress code which varies across the country. Purchase all required school supplies. Your child just wants to blend in and not stand out due to wrong clothes, supplies etc. Learn the school lunch policy. If you are going to purchase lunch make sure to set up the lunch account. If packing lunch ensure there are not any forbidden foods. Many schools now regulate lunches due to food allergies.

     With proper preparation you can help your child’s transition to a new school run smoothly. If it is not a new school for your child encourage them to meet and welcome the new kids. What are your tips to help your child adjust to a new school?

Marguerite Cleveland is a freelance writer who specializes in human interest and travel stories. She is a military brat, a veteran and now a military spouse.  Her military experience is vast as the daughter of a Navy man who served as an enlisted sailor and then Naval Officer. She served as an enlisted soldier in the reserves and on active duty, then as an Army Officer. She currently serves as a military spouse. She lives in the Pacific Northwest with her husband and two sons. Visit her website www.PeggyWhereShouldIGo.com