Air Force Bases

There are almost 500 Air Force Bases operating in the continental United States. Additionally, the Air Force maintains approximately 35 bases in Europe and the Mediterranean, 20 in the Far East, 7 in Latin America and 25 in the Persian Gulf. While all these far-flung bases differ in missions, surroundings and goals, they all share a primary concern for the wellbeing of the US military personnel.

Whether you're a brand-new cadet or a seasoned professional, the constant moving that is an inescapable part of military life can be unsettling. You arrive at each new post not knowing what you'll find, and you leave each successive post saddened at the loss of friends. Fortunately, the Air Force is sensitive to the issues you and your family might have, and do their best to help you make the adjustments smoothly.

Tools for Transitions

In order to allow Air Force personnel and their families to form and maintain a sense of community, connection and continuity, the Community Action Information Board has established an official community website called Crossroads. Crossroads provides access from anywhere in the world to information regarding education, employment, financial and medical services, casualties and a host of other topics. There is also a spouse network and a site on preparing your family for relocation.

Each Air Force Base also maintains an individual website. These vary widely in usefulness, ranging from a listing of missions and units in residence to an entire menu of services to make you welcome. Maxwell Air Force Base in Montgomery, Alabama maintains one of the best websites in this context. While the information regarding the local community might not be of much use to you if you're headed for Alaska, you can find there a comprehensive guide to relocation that will be useful for any destination.

Were you aware, for instance, that families in PCS status are entitled to 20 hours of free child care to aid in the relocation process? This program is administered by the Mission Support Flight's Relocation Assistance Program, the Air Force Aid Society and the Family Child Care program. Care is provided on base by licensed providers.

Location, Location, Location

Unless you are a single individual planning to live in a base dormitory, housing is one of the most stressful aspects of relocation. Check your base's website for regulations and recommendations. If you intend to live off base in private housing, typing in the name of your base will almost always bring up several real estate agencies specializing in housing for the base's personnel.

The Maxwell site has excellent guidelines regarding preparing and moving your household goods. If you should arrive at your destination before your belongings, the Family Support Center maintains a Lending Closet. There you can borrow such things as porta-cribs, vacuum cleaners, coffee pots and futons--whatever you need to see you through.

The Family Support Center stresses the importance of involving your children in your relocation plans. Encourage them to feel that they are part of the process, and don't try to hide the situation from them until the last minute. Visit the Family Support Center's website for more information that you can use to ease your family's transition.