Your First 30 Days at a New Base

The first month at a new duty station is a blur of paperwork, boxes and new routines. Here is a simple plan to settle in faster.

Week 1: Admin and essentials

• Sign in to your unit and finance office and file your travel voucher. Payment for DLA, TLE and travel arrives faster when you file early.
• Update DEERS with your new address through milConnect. Your TRICARE plan options may change and you have 90 days to make a change.
• Find the essentials: urgent care, pharmacy, grocery store, gas station and the commissary and exchange.
• Borrow from the loan closet at the family center if your household goods are not here yet.

Week 2: Kids, care and home

• Enroll children in school with the records you hand-carried, and meet the school liaison.
• Check on child care: confirm your request on MilitaryChildCare.com and ask about fee assistance if needed.
• Get household goods delivered and check every item against the inventory. Note damage on the delivery paperwork, then report loss or damage in DPS within 75 days.
• Set up utilities and internet.

Week 3: Connect

• Attend the newcomer orientation. It covers base resources and local rules.
• Visit the family center to learn about financial counseling, spouse employment help and volunteer opportunities.
• Join something: a family readiness group, spouse club, sports league, church or a Blue Star Families chapter.
• Spouses: book a SpouseWorks coaching session and begin licensing paperwork if needed.

Week 4: Settle and review

• Register vehicles and update licenses if your new state requires it. Many states exempt active duty members, but rules for spouses differ.
• Review your budget against your new BAH or OHA.
• Get established with health care: a new primary care manager, dentist and any specialists.
• Close out a PPM if you did one.

Look after your family's well-being

Moves are hard on everyone. Kids may act out, and spouses may feel isolated after leaving friends and jobs behind. Military and Family Life Counselors offer free, confidential, short-term counseling on base and in many schools, and Military OneSource counseling is available around the clock at 800-342-9647.

Explore

Plan a fun weekend outing. MWR and Information, Tickets and Travel offices often have discounted local attractions. Exploring together helps the new place feel like home.