PCS Navy and Army Base Guide
Got your order to transfer to the next base? Discover essential insights and tips for a successful Permanent Change of Station (PCS) to JEB Little Creek / Fort Story and NAS Oceana / Dam Neck. This guide offers comprehensive advice to make your military move smooth and stress-free.
A Permanent Change of Station, or PCS, is a common term used within military communities to describe the official relocation of an active duty military service member – along with any family members living with them – to a different duty location. Such relocations can be domestic or international and usually involve a stay of at least 20 weeks. PCS moves are a fundamental aspect of military life, reflecting career progression, training needs, and operational requirements.
Preparing for a PCS involves several crucial steps, from understanding your orders to planning the logistics of moving. Effective preparation can significantly reduce the stress associated with moving, ensuring that both you and your family transition smoothly into your new community and responsibilities.
Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek-Fort Story (JEBLCFS) is a pivotal military base located in Virginia Beach, Virginia, combining two separate facilities: Little Creek and Fort Story. It serves as a major hub for the United States Navy, particularly for the Amphibious Forces.
Housing on JEB Little Creek-Fort Story offers a range of options from on-base housing to off-base rentals and purchases. The base provides numerous amenities designed to accommodate the unique needs of military families, including schools, childcare, and medical facilities.
The base is equipped with comprehensive services that cater to the wellbeing and convenience of its residents. These include shopping centers, fitness centers, and recreational facilities, ensuring that all residents have access to essential services and leisure activities.
Naval Air Station Oceana, situated in Virginia Beach, Virginia, serves as a prominent Navy installation known for its fighter jet bases. Dam Neck Annex, part of NAS Oceana, focuses on training and operational support, providing facilities for the Navy’s elite units.
Similar to JEB Little Creek, NAS Oceana offers various housing solutions ranging from on-base housing to nearby community rentals. These accommodations are tailored to support the diverse needs of service members and their families during their tenure at the base.
Both bases are equipped with educational and family services, including schools that cater to various educational needs from kindergarten through high school, ensuring a seamless transition for children during PCS moves.
Effective packing and moving strategies are crucial for a PCS. Organizing belongings, deciding what to take along, and what to leave behind or store are key considerations. Utilizing military-provided moving services can also help alleviate the logistical burden.
Integration into a new military community can be facilitated through involvement in local events, programs, and by reaching out to support networks designed for military families.
Several resources are available to assist military families in transitioning. These include the Fleet and Family Support Center, which provides programs and services that aid in financial management, spousal employment, and stress reduction.
The areas surrounding JEB Little Creek and NAS Oceana are rich with recreational opportunities. It comes with beaches, parks, and other natural attractions. It provide ample activities for families and individuals alike. Try to do family picnic to make it more fun.
Virginia Beach provides a plethora of shopping and dining options. You’ll get to enjoy various cuisine here. They cater to a variety of tastes and preferences. This place makes it easy for new arrivals to find something that suits their lifestyle.
The region is steeped in American history. You will get to know hundreds of historical places here. You can spend time with numerous museums, historical sites, and cultural landmarks to explore. It will be a educational and leisure opportunities for residents, visitors and your kids.
Moving with children involves finding suitable schooling or childcare arrangements. School-going kids face the same issues like adults. They find it tough to make new friends, get comfortable in the new school environment. Fortunately, the bases are served by schools that meet educational standards and provide programs tailored for military families.
Pet owners need to understand the specific regulations and facilities available for pets, including veterinary care and any base-specific pet policies. Before your move, ensure that your pets meet all base housing policies. Go through of the policies one by one. It can be breed restrictions, vaccination requirements, and registration procedures. To confirm any fact, bring documentation too.
PCSing to JEB Little Creek / Fort Story and NAS Oceana / Dam Neck can be an exciting, albeit challenging, phase in a military career. By understanding the resources available and preparing adequately, military personnel and their families can make a successful transition. This guide serves as a foundational resource to help navigate the complexities of a PCS move, ensuring that you have all the necessary information to thrive in your new home.
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