How much time will the Army give me to take my wife and daughter to JBLM? What other factors does a unit take into consideration?

SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 27 Dec 2019 23:59:49 -0500

I go back to MEPS on the 15th to pick up my orders to JBLM. No clue what unit I'm assigned with until then. I informed the career counselor that I will be taking my wife and daughter with me. Any idea how long they may give me? Additionally, what factors, excluding familial needs and desires, does a unit take into consideration?

Response by SGM Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 28 at 2019 1:13 AM

SGM Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 28 Dec 2019 01:13:30 -0500

In most cases, you will not have a unit on your orders. Your orders will tell you where to report and a contact number. Generally the report date is on the 10th day of every month. Make sure that your orders have all your dependents names.

Response by CSM Darieus ZaGara made Dec 28 at 2019 6:39 AM

CSM Darieus ZaGara — Sat, 28 Dec 2019 06:39:31 -0500

The SGM is correct, as for travel time you need to contact the gaining transportation and housing offices, they should provide this and much more valuable information. Thank you for your service.

Response by MAJ Javier Rivera made Dec 28 at 2019 7:49 AM

MAJ Javier Rivera — Sat, 28 Dec 2019 07:49:39 -0500

It is based on your reporting day and how far you’re traveling. Like SGM Private RallyPoint Member stated make sure your orders reflect your family members. Most likely you’ll be assigned at the replacement company for a few days in order to in process the installation. Then further assigned to a unit. If you know for fact the JBLM is your new duty station contact both transportation and housing office and get as much information as you can.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 28 at 2019 9:07 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 28 Dec 2019 09:07:57 -0500

Before you make any arrangements to transport your family with you, contact your recruiter to find out what mode of travel will the MEPS have for you. I say this because when I re-entered active duty, the MEPS issued me my orders and a plane ticket for myself. I had to fly out that date and make arrangements for my family after I arrived to my new duty station.

Also remember, your orders effective date is the date of your enlistment which is usually your report date. They won’t pay for anything prior to the effective date to include if you drive. (If you’re effective date is 10 January and you head out to drive to JBLM on 3 January, all cost will be out of pocket for you and will not re-imbursed). So make sure to find what would be your effective date versus your report date. If they are the same, you’ll have to fly to JBLM first and make arrangements after you report to your unit. Good luck to you...

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 28 at 2019 3:18 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 28 Dec 2019 15:18:01 -0500

Make sure your family / dependents are on your orders, as far as settling every soldier gets 10 days permissive TDY for “house hunting” - congrats and goodluck !