What should I do about not having a vehicle for awhile during my first duty station?

2020-01-12T16:47:59-05:00

I do not currently have a car. I’m curious on the transportation between basic training and AIT? Is it provided for us or do I arrange something with family? And once I get to my first duty station will it be an issue not having one for a little bit?

Also when I get to my first duty station, how do I get my personal items? (Small things like clothes, skin care items, shoes, laptop). That may come off as a silly question but I didn’t know if it’s something that should be pre arranged or if it’s all on the soldier to get it themselves. Thanks.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 12 at 2020 4:58 PM

2020-01-12T16:58:14-05:00

I didn't have a car for the first year at my first duty station...zero issues. Barracks, work and chow were all within walking distance. Plus Ft Hood had a shuttle to take you to the PX and commissary if needed

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 12 at 2020 5:00 PM

2020-01-12T17:00:33-05:00

Additionally, someone in the barracks and probably your roommate will have a car. Everyone in the barracks kinda takes care of each other when it comes to rides if needed.

Response by MAJ Javier Rivera made Jan 12 at 2020 5:24 PM

2020-01-12T17:24:05-05:00

During initial entry training you will not be able to drive. You’ll be carried around. Once on your 1st duty station, there are post shuttles around the installation to get you around wherever you need. Now, to and from work, you’ll have plenty of rides since all of your single junior enlisted coworker live in the same facilities. I didn’t have a car until my 3rd year in the Army. I bought a nice used car for few hundred bucks which lasted until 2 years after getting commissioned. 7 years in my hands. No need to rush on a car. Take your time, save money, analyze your needs not your wants, and then don’t spend the money. Be frugal. But not crazy frugal!!!!

Response by LTC Jason Mackay made Jan 12 at 2020 5:41 PM

2020-01-12T17:41:23-05:00

Transportation is provided or reimbursed according to your orders. Your cadre will likely give you instructions when you go.
- taxi or bus to the airport.
- airport to duty station. Linkup with the Liaison NCO at the air port. If no one is there, you take a shuttle or taxi to reception and sign in. Assuming you will not be traveling with your family.
- if you have your family, you'll need to arrange for a shuttle. Question is to where? Have you made a reservation at guest lodging? If they are full you'll need a standment of no availability and they can refer you downtown.
- how do you get around? Initially your unit sponsor. In reception, you'll be walking
- buying a car. Many options. Lemon lot, private sale, or a car lot. Before you sign anything get the terms of the sale and/or loan and work with your first line supervisor to ensure you are not getting hosed. Verify it is in good working order, has four decent tires, and isn't hemoragging oil.

Read your orders. There should be contact info and or a website. Look at the installation web site and look for a link for newcomers. If you are going overseas, reception will take your entire family to guest lodging, then it is on your unit sponsor.

After you leave AIT, your personal need items are all you. You won't a have a battle buddy. You are on your own. PX, Commissary, Walmart, Target, where ever.

Response by CPL Gary Pifer made Jan 12 at 2020 6:12 PM

2020-01-12T18:12:38-05:00

Real World... depends how pretty you are if you get rides..

Response by CPL Gary Pifer made Jan 12 at 2020 6:13 PM

2020-01-12T18:13:26-05:00

How to get items.... you buy them...

Response by SSG Patricia Duggins made Jan 12 at 2020 8:22 PM

2020-01-12T20:22:43-05:00

If you are assigned to a good unit, your PSG/Squad Leader should be assigning you a battle buddy to get you oriented. This is to make sure you know where to go for formation, PT, DFAC, correct uniform etc.. This battle should be a at least one rank above yours, responsible and has been in the unit for more than 1 year. The unit is usually located close to your barracks so it is in walking distance for formation, PT etc.. The only time you will need a vehicle is to go shopping, go to the movies etc... If your battle buddy does not have a vehicle , I am sure they will be friendly with someone who can take you places. Of course giving this person some money for gas would be a good gesture for the ride. I would say save your money for the first few years so you can get a good used/new reliable car. Nothing expensive or flashy.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Jan 12 at 2020 11:43 PM

2020-01-12T23:43:34-05:00

You should definitely ask for assistance from your NCOs about buying a car. Take this advice!

Response by SSG Brian G. made Jan 13 at 2020 4:43 AM

2020-01-13T04:43:30-05:00

Ok, I will try to answer as best I can so it makes sense.

At basic you will not need a car. I am going to assume that your basic is not at the same location as your AIT so the military will transport you from one to the other by whatever method is cheapest and fastest for them, usually flying. You MAY have the option of having leave en route to your AIT to visit with family.

As to your first duty station, that will depend on where it is and what the facility is like. You will be living in the barracks until such time as you either get married or attain the rank of E-5. Most posts have some sort of transport to job locations or they are within walking distance. If not, you can always test out in that state for a drivers license and see if the post has a lemon lot and buy one of those vehicles.

Most posts have PX's and Commissaries within easy walking distance so getting the basic things is easy enough.

Response by CH (CPT) Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 13 at 2020 11:40 AM

2020-01-13T11:40:44-05:00

The first move with the Army is a bit more complicated than regular post to post PCS. However, your cadre can and will answer your questions when the time is right. You should also have some time to meet with the appropriate offices to arrange movement of your things from home to your first duty station.

Response by SFC Melvin Brandenburg made Jan 13 at 2020 12:02 PM

2020-01-13T12:02:22-05:00

I suggest using the LPC to get around at your first duty station until you have cash to buy a car. Your transportation between basic and AIT will be provided. BTW, LPC stands for Leather Personnel Carrier...your boots. This is what I did and it worked out just fine.

Response by SPC Kenneth Koerperich made Jan 13 at 2020 5:23 PM

2020-01-13T17:23:52-05:00

Hind sight is 20/20...

DO NOT BUY ANYTHING!

Live in the barracks, save every cent(High yield savings) that you don't need for "personals".

Stay in the barracks, don't go drinking and whoring....it's a waste of $$$....

Buy a 32" TV and a game system. Rent some DvD's, play some games.

End your contract(4 yr), IF you're hitting your benchmarks for rank with about:

$80 - 100k in savings....

Re enlist....keep adding to that number.

ETS, comfortably live and get a beater vehicle until you're set in a new J-O-B!

Then make a big down payment, and buy a car with a loan to improve your credit score...

Still have money left for a rainy day....

Enjoy!

Response by SFC Michael D. made Jan 13 at 2020 6:38 PM

2020-01-13T18:38:10-05:00

Shuttle bus.

Response by SGT Mark Friedman made Jan 13 at 2020 8:13 PM

2020-01-13T20:13:55-05:00

You'll be fine. Sit back and enjoy the ride. There is (or was) inexpensive taxi service on most training Installations that get you where you need to go.

Response by SGT Joshua Webley made Jan 14 at 2020 10:42 AM

2020-01-14T10:42:54-05:00

Im just curious, do recruiters not go over all this stuff anymore?