Posted on Mar 3, 2019
SGT Motor Transport Operator
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I am heading to my first duty station in a few weeks. I've been in the reserves for two years, and now I'm switching to active duty. I don't know anything about this process. Can I take my family when I report or should I wait until I have things squared away on my own?
Posted in these groups: Militaryfamily Military Family
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Responses: 3
SFC Retention Operations Nco
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When switching from RC to AD I found it was easier to set up my household before bringing my family out. But there is the issue of money. When you move into housing, or off post rental, you have to put down money and sometimes a deposit and that is the end of your BAH for your family. It's a tight money situation.
But, yes you can report with your family and stay in lodging until you find housing
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LTC Jason Mackay
LTC Jason Mackay
>1 y
SFC (Join to see) - DLA? PTDY?

You'll have to do a BAH verification form at S1 to ensure your BAH is turned on. You'll need your current rental agreement or mortgage. Then when you get your new place, you'll need to do it again. If you are in the barracks or other government quarters then you,lose BAH.

SGT (Join to see) you might be able to get a transient barracks room upon arrival and get your place. Have you shipped HHG yet? Either take with you or send in hold bags Air mattresses, linens, pots pans, and cloths to hold you over. This is in case you are offered quarters off the bat. Hand carry your ASU, PTs, and Duty uniform.

LTC Eugene Chu mentions getting a sponsor. Normally you can't get orders without applying for a sponsor. Since your case is non standard, recommend you just call the unit. You will also sign in at reception and go through a week or possibly two at inprocessing. You'll do finance, Personnel, and CIF plus whatever is specific to the installation.
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SFC Retention Operations Nco
SFC (Join to see)
>1 y
LTC Jason Mackay you do get DLA and that helps, but you don't receive it for a month or two. It's a lot easier if you're moving on post and don't have to worry about making a deposit. The SM can stay in the barracks for less than 30 days, after that, they lose BAH. For a sponsor, they receive orders from the MEPS taking them straight to active duty, but never down to a unit, just a Brigade.
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LTC Jason Mackay
LTC Jason Mackay
>1 y
SFC (Join to see) - I think calling the BDE S1 will get him to a sponsor.
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SFC Retention Operations Nco
SFC (Join to see)
>1 y
LTC Jason Mackay the BDE S1 or the BDE CSM, and he will have a sponsor, and a unit, by nightfall.
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LTC Eugene Chu
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Your active duty unit should assign a sponsor to assist with in-processing after you arrive. Check with him/her about details. Although you can technically take your family with you, it may take some time for your housing allowance to start appearing in paycheck.
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MAJ Ken Landgren
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Edited >1 y ago
:/
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