PCS to Puerto Rico

SSG Charles Coats — Thu, 21 Aug 2014 20:19:17 -0400

Just received word that I am going to PCS to PR in Dec of this year. I've never been there and I am sure that many others have and I wanted to see if anyone had any advice on housing, local fare, etc. I have family but they will not be going so I will be a geo bachelor.

I will be a Supply NCO with the 5th Bde., 94th Training Div. in Juana Diaz.

Response by SSgt Gregory Guina made Aug 21 at 2014 9:35 PM

SSgt Gregory Guina — Thu, 21 Aug 2014 21:35:34 -0400

I would love to get orders to Puerto Rico. Unfortunately for the Marines the only way to go there that I am aware of is to be a Spanish speaking recruiter (one of the few times you get paid extra for speaking Spanish).

Response by SFC Mark Merino made Aug 22 at 2014 4:38 AM

SFC Mark Merino — Fri, 22 Aug 2014 04:38:44 -0400

DAMN! You are going to have a blast!

Response by MAJ Javier Rivera made Aug 23 at 2014 8:46 AM

MAJ Javier Rivera — Sat, 23 Aug 2014 08:46:15 -0400

I tried do post some info yesterday but had some issues with my PC.

Here are some things of interest:
1. The first and most important thing you need to do is to contact Fort Buchanan. That is the only active component US Army Garrison (US Army South) in the island and will handle 90% of your issues:

ACS Relocation Readiness Program
Monday - Friday 7:00 am - 4:00 pm
390, Suite 101, Crane Loop St,
Fort Buchanan, PR 00934
Closed Federal holidays
[login to see]

2. Based on the information provided you will be at Fort Allen in the town of Juana Diaz; in the island's south coast. It is the warmest and drier are of the island. A plus in my opinion: free of high traffic when compared to the northern coast, where the capital city, San Juan, is located.

3. Fort Allen is a PR National Guard facility and co-used with the US Army Reserve Forces in the island and other federal and state agencies. Is a former Regular Army facility so there is no on-post housing anymore; that I can recall. Be prepared to live in the local economy where you will find great properties to rent from. Be advised that when your family comes to visit they will give you the grim look when is time for them to return to the mainland!

4. You will not have any issue with the language barriers since most of the locals folks are comfortable with English.

5. Overseas Housing Allowance for an E6 in PR is:

With dependents:
Rental: $1650
Utilities and Maintenance: $900
Move-in Allowance: $1367

Without dependents:
Rental: $1485
Utilities and Maintenance: $675
Move-in Allowance: $1367

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 25 at 2014 9:41 AM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 25 Aug 2014 09:41:22 -0400

Rent in Puerto Rico is fairly cheap compared to the states. You can get a decent apartment or house for less than $1,000 a month and that's if you get a big place. For small apartments, rent is allot cheaper. Groceries on the other hand, are a little more expensive because almost everything is imported. Water and electricity is higher than in the states also. Traffic is crazy throughout most of the island, allot of cars in a small island, but it's mostly during rush hours, morning, noon and afternoon around 4 to 5pm. 98% of the time there will be someone that at least understand and speaks crooked english. Welcome to my island, hope you enjoy your stay ;)

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 27 at 2014 3:15 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 27 Nov 2014 15:15:52 -0500

That's great SSG Charles Coats . Everything that SGT Private RallyPoint Member ,and MAJ Javier Rivera mentioned is true. I currently live here in PR, if you need help or anything do not hesitate to ask.

Response by SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 26 at 2015 11:05 AM

SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 26 Mar 2015 11:05:29 -0400

How has it going in my island SSG? Still adapting to traffic? Already addicted to mofongo? How you liking the beaches?