PCSing to JBER (General)

2015-07-11T19:11:15-04:00

Hello all, I'm supposed to be PCSing to JBER, from Bliss, in spring and I was wondering if anyone could give me some pointers or advice as far as what to bring, what to leave, points of interest, how long the riding season is (got a vulcan 2000cc classic), what i should do to get my truck ready, and the approximate size of the barracks room. I have a futon and if it won't fit, I'd like to get rid of it before hand. Thanks in advance!

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 11 at 2015 7:34 PM

2015-07-11T19:34:32-04:00

Bring your warm jacket on your carry on. I PCS'd from Hood to JBER in Nov 2009. Texas and Alaska are worlds apart in temperature and feeling.

The barracks rooms are a bit tight. 2-3 individual bedrooms with a common bath and kitchenette. Ditch the futon bud.

Riding season is only 3 months long. Be ready to store that crotch rocket for a long time, or sell it before you go. Your bike so your choice.

If you like hunting and fishing...you'll love it there. If not, best start college because there's nothing else there to do but get drunk and end up on the blotter.

If you wanna ask more questions. Hit me up.

Response by SSgt Danielle Dretzka made Jul 11 at 2015 7:36 PM

2015-07-11T19:36:30-04:00

I just moved down last year. What do you like to do? Anchorage is a hunting and fishing, camping backpacking....anything outside. Motorcycles are huge there but riding is only may till October on base. Snow usually Flys by Halloween no later than turkey day. Can't really speak to the size, however all the dorms are brand new. They should be opening the new one soon. They just put in windows when I left last fall. What else would you like to know?

Response by SSG Steven Dowell made Jul 11 at 2015 8:25 PM

2015-07-11T20:25:21-04:00

I just took my barracks bed apart and it fit in my closet nicely so I could have a futon. But I was in the TBKs(temporary barracks). Riding season isn't too long I believe it's from May to August, but don't quote me on that. Bring whatever civilian winter stuff you got and is hit up a surplus store for some better cold weather gear. Also your gonna lose, get stolen from, etc. a TON of neck gaiters, gloves, gray fleece caps, and black balaclava. Look into getting good ones of those. The army ones are all right but aren't amazing. And make sure you go to Tommys burgers and Flos Pancake House while your there. That's a former specialists 2 cents.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 11 at 2015 8:30 PM

2015-07-11T20:30:35-04:00

Ok, I recommend the following;

1. Go halibut fishing.
2. Go see the dog sled races.
3. See the northern lights and midnight sun.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 11 at 2015 8:32 PM

2015-07-11T20:32:43-04:00

Remote start and engine block heater before you get to JBER.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 12 at 2015 3:46 PM

2015-07-12T15:46:36-04:00

If you are driving I recommend buying the most updated version of the MILEPOST. You can buy it at Barnes and Nobles, or Amazon. It is a must if you drive. Also don't make any major purchases before you come because Alaska is a no sales tax state. Had I known that I would not have purchased my 2 ATV's in NC before I drove them up to Alaska. They have every store you could want in Anchorage so buying furniture won't be a big deal and again no sales tax. If I were you I would drive and take a family member with you. This is probably one of the only times you can get a free trip to Alaska so take advantage of it. My Father, Grandfather and I did it in 10 days from Fayetteville NC, to Anchorage, Alaska. Its a good thing you are PCSing in the spring and not in the winter like we did due to the weather. The Alaska Highway is not bad at all and they have stores and motels through out the route. Just my 2 cents though. As far as vehicle prep everything can be done in Alaska a lot cheaper than in lower 48. Good luck.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 12 at 2015 8:49 PM

2015-07-12T20:49:45-04:00

Riding season normally starts 15 April-15 October. It can stay open longer. As long as the road conditions are green you are good to ride.

Response by SPC Katherine Simmons made Jul 15 at 2015 5:23 PM

2015-07-15T17:23:18-04:00

I was stationed at JBER for a little under 3 years- the barracks size depends on which battalion you are going to- if you end up at the "red roof inn" the barracks are really nice but the rooms are small and you won't be able to fit the fouton in addition to the furniture already there. If you end up in BSTB you will likely be in the TBKs, they are a good bit larger and you would be able to fit the fouton in as well. Riding season is pretty short, maybe 3 months, I never knew anyone who purchased and kept their motorcycle. If you are an outdoorsy type person there is a ton of stuff to do-hiking, fishing, hunting, skiing/snow boarding. I really hope that you are over 21 otherwise there isn't much for you to do in town. Humpys and 5th Ave are great places to eat and have a few drinks.
as for the vehicle as long as you have a newer truck (say newer than 2006 or so) you don't need to have anything special done outside of good all weather tires and synthetic oil will make your start a little easier when it is super cold. Remote start is very nice to have but by no means a necessity.
Be sure to bring a VERY warm jacket; January and February are the worst months for the freezing cold weather but March and April are still very cold especially in comparison to Texas.

Response by SGT Andrew Fairbanks made Jul 15 at 2015 5:31 PM

2015-07-15T17:31:21-04:00

It is the best duty station I have ever been to. They are going to be downsizing though. The only thing is don't whine when it gets cold.m

Response by 1SG Harold Piet made Jul 15 at 2015 6:01 PM

2015-07-15T18:01:13-04:00

As a 1SG I suggest get rid of Futon and Bike, riding season is way to short save the money and but you a great Ride when you come out of AK, I ride with the CMA and the PGR and I ride a HD Ultra so I am not against bikes. just I know that the storage isnt worth it for the short riding season

Response by CW2 Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 15 at 2015 9:57 PM

2015-07-15T21:57:07-04:00

Hello,
Depends on when you actually decide to travel, that has a lot to do on what you need. Are you planning on taking the ferry or driving all the way through Canada? Everything you need will be issued to you as far as military gear when you get to JBER. If you are driving all the way and leaving in the summer a basic spare tire, a extra gas can and plenty of energy drink because even though the drive is beautiful it is long. Points of interests are minnesota malls of america and the mall in Edmonton canada, there are plenty of other places to go just depends on your taste. Your futon will not fit in the Barracks, are you Airborne?

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 15 at 2015 10:43 PM

2015-07-15T22:43:51-04:00

I just left there in June and a lot has changed. If you stay at JBER you can go to 17th or to 4/25. If you end up getting sent to Wainwright I do not have much information for you. But, in the order you asked.

If you come between June - August I would say just your basic stuff, uniform and pts. Everything else you can ship with your household goods if you are not driving.

Make sure to visit the asymca in the gold rush Inn/ warrior zone. The lady that works there name is Debra and she is great. They normally have free tickets to the aces hockey games, UAA hockey and basketball games, AFC matches (Alaska version of ufc), Thursday night fights, train trips, fishing trips and other events throughout Alaska. They also get the milepost and a Northern lights coupon book for free. These are both great things to have while in Alaska.
Try visiting Seward and the North Polen while you are there. I got to do slot of stuff in my 3 years.

This year the riding season started early but you get about 3 months of normal riding in June, July and August. May and September sometimes also.

To be honest as far as what to do with your truck. I would say first you have to know what your truck can and can't do. Get a good set of all-season tires, autostart and some good winter windshield washer fluid. I used the rainx brand and it melted away instantly. I drove a sedan the whole time with all-season tires and autostart. Never got stuck and car started on it's coldest days. Alaska does not use salt only sand.

You will get a chip or cracked windshield while in Alaska because of it. But normally your car insurance will cover it for free.

As for barracks rooms. if you get assigned to 17th cssb you will not have any trouble fitting your futon in your room. Now 4/25 is tricky. At the time I was leaving there was two more barracks being built. I notice you are an mp so you most likely will get assigned to the Barracks behind the MP Station and again you will not have any problem. The TBK's you will not have to worry about. But there are two other buildings that are not as large but could still fit a futon depending on how you organize your furniture. I knew people who did.

I think this will help you and if you would even more detailed information you can send me a message. I am sure you will like it and you will get use to the cold after your first winter. Before I forget there are bears and moose on post.

Response by SGM Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 16 at 2015 8:15 AM

2015-07-16T08:15:53-04:00

SPC O, Congrats on getting assigned to the best kept secret in the Airborne world. I lived in AK a LONG time and hopefully I can help you out. email me [login to see]

Buy some winter clothes; you will need them. If you have to; order them offline and have them mailed to you at Bliss. Pack them in your HHG and send them to AK.

A 4X4 truck is a good thing to have especially if you want to get off road and goof off. You do not have to go far to be off the beaten path in AK. The truck will appreciate a block heater and they are easy to installl maybe a battery blanket BUT if you are at JBER you can survive with out both. Make sure your anti freeze is legit and at the proper mixture.

Road riding season is SHORT very SHORT and there will be dirt/gravel on the road. Lots of experienced riders dump their bikes and get hurt. You also have to contend with RV's and summer traffic/construction to ride. It will be more frustration than it is worth.

If you like to ride get a 4 wheeler.

They have rebuilt most of the barracks and when I left in 2011 all of the rooms were pretty nice. The 501 and part of the 509 were in old barracks but it is easy living.

They are going to downsize the footprint of 4/25 to a BN TF; so there is a chance you could get diverted to Fairbanks. Avoid that like the plague unless you want to roll around in Strykers.

Response by SGM Erik Marquez made Jul 16 at 2015 9:17 AM

2015-07-16T09:17:17-04:00

5-6 months of riding, starting in April or may when all the ice is gone off the road.
What to bring? Ahhhh, everything.. not sure how to answer that one.. do you mean related to Motorcycling? Work? setting up a place to live?
EVERYTHING you can want is available in that area, if not local, then by mail.... anything shipped is pricy of course, and bigger then standard USPS priority mail even more pricy. So if you have larger items, tools machinery, furniture ect, it needs to go with you in your POV (DITY move) or have it shipped in HHG. If you wanted something big soon... buy it before the move and have it go in you HHG vice waiting and paying for it your self. Not sure on current regs,, but as of 2013 HHG would not ship automotive or other "parts". I had a business license, so was able to always call them business assets or inventory. And got them though that way... your milage may very.
Your going up in the summer, so vehicle prep is not required, but if you have a trusted shop where you at now, or a DIY kind of guy, then sure, block heater, synthetic fluids and grease, anything partially broken will finish breaking when the cold of winter hits..so consider replacing that cracked door handle, seat switch, glove box latch now.
Battery blankets (heated) installed and a battery tender lead is a nice idea as well. Have the mechanic wire the 110 leads to a single plug so you only need one head bolt (that's the power pole provided to plug in your vehicle) receptacle. When I was in Fort Wainwright and Fort Richardson (2.5 years at each) there were very few head bolts for barracks parking or parking lots at work buildings. Not a huge deal in Anchorage, but it was a source of pain in Fairbanks mid winter.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 16 at 2015 9:29 AM

2015-07-16T09:29:40-04:00

If you can make the drive through canada. Yes buy the milepost. If you come up through Calgary head northwest through banff and check out the glacier ice shelves in the national park. Last year the price was 12 dollars to drive through. That route will take you around Edmonton. You will see tons of wildlife and glaciers. As for the winter yes they are cold and the 3-4 hours of daylight suck but it's not bad if you find things to do like ice fishing on six mile or snowmobiling (you can rent from the MWR for 150 bucks for the weekend) hunting or climbing Byron glacier by portage glacier. There are tons to do. You do not need a remote start it's expensive and quite frankly just not necessary. As for the riding season, it varies from year to year but April 16 to Oct 16 is when the roads on post usually are green once they sweep the dirt off. I had a bike also and riding it wasn't an issue for me. Your futon do what you want with it whether you sell it or wait til you know for sure where you're going either way it's up in the air whether or not it will fit in whatever barracks you get.

Response by SSG Red Hoffman made Jul 16 at 2015 10:54 AM

2015-07-16T10:54:04-04:00

I was there from 1985 - 1989. I am sure much has changed on post, but there are still red salmon in the Russian River and Halibut off the coast of Seward to be caught. The best part of my tour was the drive there (From Ft. Polk, LA) and back - to Buffalo, NY. I went in late fall....the weather was treacherous at points....but I would not have changed a moment. Rent was kind of high off post and there is a lot of adventure waiting for you. Drive up the Parks Highway and take the Denali bus tour if it still runs....and stop by Skinny Dick's Halfway Inn (if it is still there) on your way to Fairbanks. An engine block heater is a MUST. Riding season will be from May until October (or so), but the days last sooo long. In the heart of June, you wont see much darkness. Enjoy your tour, I did.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 17 at 2015 10:01 AM

2015-07-17T10:01:43-04:00

JBER is a different animal altogether. Seriously.
I literally just left last Tuesday.
The riding season is from about May- Mid Oct. Some times it is a little longer, sometimes it is a little Shorter.
Your truck will be fine without a block heater. I kept a jeep and Minivan outside for three years without issue. You will get better performance with a block heater because it helps your truck reach temp faster.
If you have the money for gas, think about driving up. IT is long as hell, but the best road trip you will take.

Barracks rooms aren't bad. It is the one to one standard with a common area in the middle. My Soldiers never complained.

Words of advice. Take every school they offer at USARAK. The training they give at BRTS is the some of the best in the Army, and it will save your fingers and Toes when you go the training areas up north. Don't become a Shut in. Get out, enjoy something. Even if it is just backpacking. I used a lot of the trails in Alaska to practice TTPs (i know it is a crappy analogy) for when I hike the Appalachian trail on terminal leave. The BOSS Program is joint and is pretty good. Don't get married in Alaska. The are only two types in Anchorage, those that are taken there and those that are left there. I tell this to female Soldiers too.
Get your cold weather gear when you get there. The sports stores will have season sales where they get rid of previous year's inventory. You will save big. IF you are an outdoor guy, get an REI membership. Your Dividend check will make you happy.

4-25 collects DUIs like trading cards. Don't get caught up in the drama. There are two many programs to avoid a DUI. Seriously.

Have fun.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 19 at 2015 10:10 PM

2015-07-19T22:10:19-04:00

I am currently stationed here now. Your truck should be good to go, especially if you're coming down in the spring time. You will get issued a lot of new winter stuff if you don't already have it. I actually left bliss and came here to JBER. The new barracks we just got are pretty nice. You have two rooms separated by a common area/kitchen, and you share a bathroom. Your futon should be fine if you bring it. Every barracks room has its own washer and dryer in the common area so you will only have to share with your roommate which is pretty sweet. There are a lot of things to do up here if you're an outdoor kind of person. It's really a nice post and city. WAAAY better than El Paso and parts of Bliss. The PX and little shopping mall is on the Elmendorf side, however, it is nowhere near as big as the one they had build at Bliss before I left. Also, Good Friends right off post is a great place to get a haircut. I always wish sponsors would let me know where to get a haircut when I PCS to different posts lol. Hope this helps. Anything else just ask.

Response by SSG Cody Pierce made May 27 at 2016 2:26 PM

2016-05-27T14:26:21-04:00

Don't feed wildlife.

Have survival hear at all times in your vehicle.

Be prepared and keep an open mind

Hunt the good stuff.

My best assignment.