What are some key things I should prepare for when getting ready to move me and my family to my first duty station straight out of AIT?

PVT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 13 Jan 2021 17:42:49 -0500

Response by Cpl Vic Burk made Jan 13 at 2021 6:23 PM

Cpl Vic Burk — Wed, 13 Jan 2021 18:23:44 -0500

I wouldn't move them as you are going to the duty station. Go to the local town/city first and find an apartment/house. Scope out the area and see which parts of the town are the best to raise a family. Investigate the local schools and see how they are rated compared to each other. Is the wife going to work? If so, what kind of job will she be able to find to help support the family. That obviously isn't a complete list but that is where I would start. Best of luck to you and your family.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 13 at 2021 6:47 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 13 Jan 2021 18:47:38 -0500

You should know the area you are moving to and whether it’s better off post or on post to live. I would have the Army move you. I find it easier to let someone else pack and just watch to make sure they don’t break anything. If you have a sponsor I would ask them any real questions and concerns you may have.

Response by SP5 Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 13 at 2021 6:52 PM

SP5 Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 13 Jan 2021 18:52:45 -0500

PVT Private RallyPoint Member When you get your duty station assignment that will follow AIT, come back to Rally Point and ask for some guidance from the folks here. I have seen many of that type of posts that look like a great help when the SM needs to know about the post and surrounding communities. One of the great things about this site!

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 13 at 2021 6:56 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 13 Jan 2021 18:56:37 -0500

Your first move will be the toughest, usually. There's going to be all kinds of acronyms and terms thrown at you that you have no idea about. The best piece of advice I can give you, regarding understanding them, is to ask for clarity. Don't get off the phone with someone who's given you directions without full understanding.

In regards to specific things to prepare for, make sure you have a Government Travel Card. The Army will pay for whatever moving expenses you have (don't use the card for leisure or things that aren't required to survive). Keep all your receipts and make sure you see your appropriate S/G/J shop when you arrive to your new unit to pay off the balance. Don't forget about it and stay on top of your finances.

Good luck

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 13 at 2021 8:56 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 13 Jan 2021 20:56:42 -0500

The first thing I would do is determine if you want to live on post or off. Typically you will travel straight from AIT to your duty station. You're family will come at a later date. I always recommend living on post as a new soldier because you don't know your way around yet, you don't have to worry about gate traffic and its easier to shower after PT. Also easier for your spouse to make friends. Most soldiers coming from AIT don't have their vehicle right away. Although things are constantly changing because of covid. More advice can be given when you know where your moving. Also use move.mil to move your HHG.

Response by SGM Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 13 at 2021 9:05 PM

SGM Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 13 Jan 2021 21:05:32 -0500

Put some cash together because you are going to need it. Relocating is expensive and you’ll need a lot right out of the gate. Try to save as much as possible throughout BCT and AIT so you’ll have some money when you arrive.

Oh, and don’t go into debt. I’ve seen lots of troops get sucked into living on monthly payments with loans for everything they own. Live small, buy used, and pay cash.

Response by SGT Robert Wager made Jan 14 at 2021 4:50 AM

SGT Robert Wager — Thu, 14 Jan 2021 04:50:03 -0500

The first thing to worry about is money. The second thing to worry about is money. The third through tenth things to worry about is money. Once you are done worrying about money, make sure your orders have your family (dependents) are listed on your orders and then talk to your squad leader when you arrive at your first duty station.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 14 at 2021 6:39 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 14 Jan 2021 06:39:55 -0500

Ensure that you have enough money to make it through the move. If you live off post, you'll need a deposit for wherever you live. You may also need furniture for said apartment or house. Don't put furniture on a credit card, just get what you can afford.
Make sure that you and your wife and kids if any has all of their legal documents. Have the originals!! IE social security cards, birth certificates, marriage paperwork, drivers license and anything else you deem important.
I would have your wife stay were she is now. There is no reason for her to rush to your duty station to stay in an empty hotel room all day long while you are in processing post. This will allow you to inprocess and find your quarters with a little less stress. Once you have your roots a few weeks later, fly her down. She will appreciate coming in to a ready home rather than bare bones.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Jan 14 at 2021 9:31 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Thu, 14 Jan 2021 21:31:12 -0500

Secure all valuables and paperwork especially like jewelry. You can take videos to prove you owned items or the conditions they were in. Make sure your transformers are mated to the electronic item. 350 miles is considered a day of travel and you can stop and rest and get a hotel room. Off the top of my head you will get reimbursed $90 for hotel and $50 for meals for each adult and less money for children. Make sure the transportation company inventory all your items.

Response by Sgt Dale Briggs made Jan 15 at 2021 1:38 PM

Sgt Dale Briggs — Fri, 15 Jan 2021 13:38:30 -0500

Go see your company Gunny or Army equivalent of that , family means kids, on base is secure. You won’t have to worry about them. Do your homework.