This is the moving van that hauled our Household Goods (HHG’s) on our military PCS to Naval Base Kitsap from the desert of Southern California.

Every year it is estimated that one third of [...]]]> Your Military Relocation Guide to Naval Base Kitsap | You Are Gonna Love West Puget Sound on the Kitsap Peninsula!

This is the moving van that hauled our Household Goods (HHG’s) on our military PCS to Naval Base Kitsap from the desert of Southern California.

Every year it is estimated that one third of Active Duty Military members have to plan and execute a permanent change of duty station or PCS in military speak. The most important part of a PCS is to take charge, it’s your PCS!! There’s lots of help available but you are going to have to find it and ask for it. The military will also help with the moving expenses but you are going to have to know your allowances and your entitlements and you are going to have to request them and follow all the rules.

When it comes to a PCS you will find lots of people are going to want to tell you how to do it, they will tell you what the rules are, they will tell you what they could or couldn’t do. As with anything else even though there are strict rules overseeing the military PCS process each command at each installation are full of individuals who will interpret the “rules” a million different ways so you need to know where to find the truth. Please remember that when a person was in the military 14 years ago the rules were not the same! We still have retired members telling current members that BAH is based on how many dependents instead of with or without! Now that is scary!

I have been a Navy Spouse for 4 years and during that time I have moved three times. All three of the moves were cross the country – West Coast to East Coast, then East Coast to West Coast, then from the Mojave desert of California to the subzero terrain of Alaska. I am now “home” and will be able to stay here for several years.

I want you to know that I know what you are going through, I know what its like to move with short notice, and I know how much work it takes to have a successful PCS. I give you this information about me so you can begin to get to know me. Begin to have the confidence in me that a trusting relationship can begin to form. I know people do business with those they trust and I want to be the one person you can trust when it comes to any of your real estate needs.

Over the last 4 weeks I wrote a series of articles on relocation to Naval Base Kitsap. The start of the Naval Base Kitsap Online Relocation Package began with this post Naval Base Kitsap |Online Relocation Package | IT’S YOUR PCS which outlined the NBK Online Relocation Package. Below is the final version, but be sure to read the post that started the series. Naval Base Kitsap |Online Relocation Package | IT’S YOUR PCS

Week One – Take Charge | Know Your PCS

Week one featured four articles that dealt with the nuts and bolts of a PCS. Items you need to know prior to your move. I touched on the subjects of allowances, entitlements, planning a moving calendar to incorporate “to do lists”, and research of your new area with an installation overview. We also explored the local housing market and discussed the aspects of homeownership in Kitsap County.

Naval Base Kitsap |Online Relocation Package | Week One | Take Charge | Know Your PCS

Naval Base Kitsap |Online Relocation Package | Week One | Installation Overview

Naval Base Kitsap |Online Relocation Package | Week One | Schedule of Events

Naval Base Kitsap |Online Relocation Package | Week One | Kitsap County Homeownership

Week Two – Close-up | Bremerton, Silverdale, Port Orchard

Week two featured four articles about the place you are going to call home. We looked at the areas to reside, the local shopping scene, school district information and those special base amenities.

Naval Base Kitsap |Online Relocation Package | Week Two | Shop Till Ya Drop

Naval Base Kitsap |Online Relocation Package | Week Two | ABC…Easy as 123

Naval Base Kitsap |Online Relocation Package | Week Two | Fun, Fitness & Food on DECK!

Naval Base Kitsap |Online Relocation Package | Week Two | Won’t You Be My Neighbor?

Week Three – Let’s Have Some Fun | Out & About Area Attractions

Week three we spent reading about the new area you will be calling home, the beautiful Kitsap Peninsula on West Puget Sound. This week I wrote about local attractions, the local art scene, the parks and what there is to do around town and local.

Naval Base Kitsap |Online Relocation Package | Week Three | Out and About |HARBORSIDE

Naval Base Kitsap |Online Relocation Package | Week Three | Out and About | The Arts

Week Four – Make it a Vacation on the Navy | Day Trips and Mini Vacations.

I know that after I am settled in and have explored the local area I always like to find out what is on the out skirts. This week I wrote some articles about what there is to do in the “Greater Puget Sound” area. How to become a tourist in your own backyard and enjoy the so many Puget Sound attractions.

Naval Base Kitsap |Online Relocation Package | Week Four | Vacation on the Navy | Day Trips

Naval Base Kitsap |Online Relocation Package | Week Four | Vacation on the Navy | Mini Vacations









Let me be the first to WELCOME YOU to Naval Base Kitsap,

on the beautiful Kitsap Peninsula of West Puget Sound!

Welcome to NAVAL BASE KITSAP on the Beautiful Kitsap Peninsula between the Olympic and Cascade Mountain ranges in Washington State. NAVAL BASE KITSAP belongs to Navy Region Northwest and consists of Bremerton, Bangor and Keyport. Naval Hospital Bremerton of Navy Region Northwest is also located in the region as is PSNS (IMF).

If this is [...]]]>

Welcome to NAVAL BASE KITSAP on the Beautiful Kitsap Peninsula between the Olympic and Cascade Mountain ranges in Washington State. NAVAL BASE KITSAP belongs to Navy Region Northwest and consists of Bremerton, Bangor and Keyport. Naval Hospital Bremerton of Navy Region Northwest is also located in the region as is PSNS (IMF).

If this is the first time you have been stationed in the Puget Sound area, you are in for a treat. The Kitsap Peninsula area offers some of the best views of mountains and water as well as some of the best boating and recreational opportunities in the Greater Puget Sound Area. Within a mile radius you have several attractions and facilities to visit and explore.

Below you will find the specific NAVAL BASE KITSAP amenities information and resources. It is always fun to be that “tourist” at your new duty station. Take the time to really educate yourself on all of the perks NAVAL BASE KITSAP has to offer. This will be one of the duty stations you will remember for the rest of your life. It may also be where you decide to retire because you fell in love with it. This is the reason you really need to read this article about KITSAP COUNTY HOMEOWNERSHIP

U.S. Navy photo by Photographer’s Mate 3rd Class Martin S. Fuentes. (RELEASED)

ENTERTAINMENT NAVAL BASE KITSAP STYLE

NBK offers a variety of programs and facilities to entertain almost anyone. You can enjoy bowling, movies, lounges, game spaces and several special events.

Bremerton Recreation Center Movie Lounge

Movies every Friday & Saturday evenings at 6:30 p.m. Movies at the Bremerton Recreation Center Movie Lounge are FREE – can’t beat a free movie. If you are AD, Reservists, DoD Civilian, Base Contractor, Retiree, family member or a guest you are authorized to attend.

Bangor Cinema Theater

Doors open 30 minutes prior to movie start time. Seating is limited and the theater is very popular so make sure to plan ahead.

Wednesday is $Dollar Days – yep just a $1

Thursday and Fridays are Double Feature Day – see two movies for just $3.00. The second feature is free if you have purchased a ticket for the first feature

Saturdays you have two choices – a Matinee that is free or the Double Feature Deal later in the evening at $3.00.

Sundays are Double Feature Day $3.00

Olympic Lanes Bowling & Entertainment Center Naval Base Kitsap-Bangor (Bldg 2701, Ohio St)
Bowling, video games – Taco Bell and Pizza Hut location. Saturday nights check out EXTREME Fireball Bowling.

RECREATION | PAC-NOR-WEST STYLE | VACATION ON THE NAVY!

When it comes to recreation in the Pacific Northwest you will find you have endless opportunities to explore and relax. The area is one huge fun vacation spot. From hiking/climbing to several types of boating/sailing to camping and ocean combing you won’t believe the beauty and the amount of time you will spend outdoors. Naval Base Kitsap’s programs are unbelievable when it comes to your “R&R”. You can plan a mini vacation to Pacific Beach Resort & Conference Center , or contact Pacific Edge Outfitters to plan, rent or help you design the perfect Northwest adventure. Located NBK – Bangor at Bldg 2951 you are able to rent powerboats, canoes, kayaks, mountain bikes, camping and backpacking gear. There is also RV storage available.

With the Navy’s Outdoor Programs you are in for an active lifestyle here at Naval Base Kitsap! The region has vast wilderness recreation opportunities that you will treasure and brag about to others for years to come. Don’t forget to bring your scuba gear, or be prepared to whitewater raft on one of the local rivers. If you like to climb there are endless opportunities in the high Cascades. I love the beach! You are in “clam digging country” and if you would like to learn how to “catch crab”, yes you can during the “crabbing season”. Military members who are fortunate enough to snag a tour to the Puget Sound area have the opportunity to see and experience the wilderness right out their back-door. I always say “an hour to the mountain or an hour to the beach”. So make sure to check out the Outdoor Program for their day trip tours or inquire about one of their many extended expeditions. Here is just a short list of planned activities.

• Rafting
• Scuba
• Skiing & Snowboarding
• Snowshoeing
• Cross-country Skiing
• Rock Climbing
• Fishing

NAVAL BASE KITSAP | FITNESS & SPORTS

Navy Sports & Fitness facilities offer a wide variety of programs and equipment. The gym facilities offer some of the top names in equipment, such as Universal, Nautilus, Cybex and others.

You will have a selection of three fitness facilities. NBK – Bangor, NBK – Bremerton and NBK – Keyport. Each offer personal training, conditioning, classes such as aerobics, workshops and other gym related activities. Check out each section for a more in-depth view so you can decide where you want to stay fit.

Bremerton Concourse West Center (pool & gym) located in bldg 502 touts itself as the Family Friendly Fitness Center. The center was designed so that parents could work out while being close enough to supervise their children. There is an infant play area and a toddler play area. You can get your cardio in while your kiddos make new friends.

Whatever your fitness level there is an activity at NBK. You can take a swim, spend some time on a treadmill or work on your legs using an elliptical. The variety of activity is endless.

NAVAL BASE KITSAP TAKES CARE OF FAMILIES | FLEET & FAMILY SUPPORT

During the last few years it has never been more important for our families to be “mission ready”. Personal and family readiness is a high priority for today’s Navy. Naval Base Kitsap Fleet & Family Support Programs are located on NBK – Bangor. Make sure to bookmark the FFSP page here so that you have the information at your fingertips.

Available to you are programs for family and marriage counseling, resume assistance, financial counseling along with relocation assistance. You will also find information on deployment and mobilization support.
Command Support
Counseling
Deployment and Mobilization Support
Family Advocacy Program (FAP)
Family Employment Readiness Program (FERP)
Life Skills Education
New Parent Support (NPS)
Personal Financial Management (PFM)
Relocation Assistance Program (RAP)
Transition Assistance Program (TAP

U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Leah Stiles (RELEASED)

NAVAL BASE KITSAP | GOOD EATS

Restaurants & Lounges

• Insideout Cafe & Lounge – Huge menu choice for the entire family. Located at Bangor Plaza.
• Samuel Adams Brewhouse & Restaurant – Micro and handcrafted beers, a diverse menu from burgers to steaks to seafood. Open for lunch and dinner. Bldg 434 NBK-Bremerton
• Cafe.com – Coffee, pastry or a sandwich for lunch. NBK – Bremerton Sinclair’s Liberty Center

Located on NBK – Bangor you will also find a Subway, McDonald’s and Starbucks.

Located on NBK – Bremerton you will find a Subway.

NAVAL BASE KITSAP | NAVY EXCHANGE AND COMMISSARY SCOOP

You know the mission of the Navy Exchange System (NEX) is to provide us with quality services and goods at a savings while supporting quality life programs. You know that seventy percent of the profits are given back to the commands in the form of Morale, Welfare, and Recreation (MWR) programs.

I have been in NEXs, BXs and MCXs all over the country. Some you like and some you don’t. Here you can choose between two Exchanges. There is a small Exchange located on Bremerton and a larger Exchange located on Bangor. I usually browse the Bremerton NEX, but if I want to find more variety I drive out to Bangor. Bangor has cosmetic counters, larger apparel section and because it is larger more of most everything. Both stores are clean and friendly. I always enjoy paying NO SALES TAX!

I am a Commissary shopper! I can’t imagine not shopping at the Commissary. Sure there are some things I might get out in town like fresh fruit or vegetables if they are not available at the Commissary but most of the time the selection is fine.

DeCA reports that shoppers can save an average of more than 30 percent on their purchases compared to price of the local economies. This savings is worth about $3,000 annually for a family of four.

I shop at NBK – Bremerton for daily needs since that is the location that is closest for me. If I am doing “big” shopping I head out to NBK – Bangor. I usually do all of my “holiday shopping” at NBK – Bangor. The difference is in the size and sometimes in the selection. NBK – Bremerton sometimes has real trouble with inventory control and the shelves can be bare around paydays and stay that way for a few days. I try to never shop on paydays but you know how it is.

I have shopped at several different Commissaries all over the country. I loved the Commissary in Groton, CT, the Commissary at Camp Pendleton is very nice and I really miss the Commissary at MCAGCC Twenty-nine Palms, CA. There wasn’t much at that duty station but the brand new Commissary was fantastic! I really like the deli and fresh seafood section at the NBK – Bangor Commissary. Here is a “tid-bit” – You can shop 7-days a week here in the Naval Base Kitsap area because Bremerton is closed on Tuesdays and not Mondays. Bangor is closed on Mondays. So just like the other Naval Base areas we have access 7-days per week in a “round about” way. If you are use to the facilities in San Diego just remember you aren’t in California anymore .

U.S. Navy photo by Photographer’s Mate 1st Class William R. Goodwin. (RELEASED)

Hope you enjoyed article three for week two. If you have missed any articles you can check out the article that introduced the Naval Base Kitsap |Online Relocation Package by clicking on this link Naval Base Kitsap |Online Relocation Package | IT’S YOUR PCS which is updated after every new article.

Until next time….Have a Fine Navy Day!

Having been stationed at a Marine Corps base in the middle of the Mojave Desert in the land of “nothing”, 29 Stumps is what most would call it I have realized what a pleasure it is to have the barest necessities around when it comes to shopping. I am not a shopper; on the contrary, [...]]]>

Having been stationed at a Marine Corps base in the middle of the Mojave Desert in the land of “nothing”, 29 Stumps is what most would call it I have realized what a pleasure it is to have the barest necessities around when it comes to shopping. I am not a shopper; on the contrary, however after spending 3 years without everything but a Wal-Mart I want to know what the shopping is like in any new area.

I really don’t care if there is the largest, newest, best mall around, I just want one.I want to be able to drive to a Target, Bath and Body Works, Best Buy, Circuit City, Kohl’s or Lowe’s instead of ordering on-line. I spent 3 years either ordering on-line or driving 60 miles to Palm Springs through nasty hot California traffic just to shop.

Here in the Naval Base Kitsap area you will not find the biggest or the best butyou will find whatever you need! For drug stores we have Walgreens and Rite Aid, (no CVS). If you do grocery shopping out in town you will have a huge selection; Safeway, Albertson’s, Fred Meyer, Red Apple and QFC. Here is a tidbit – I have a customer card from Safeway, Von’s (Safeway in CA) and Carr’s (Safeway in Alaska) funny huh? I really missed Fred Meyer when I was in California.

Most of the variety and popular selection of stores in the area lies in Silverdale where the Kitsap Mall is located.As with any area you will find all the other “big box stores” and all the smaller chain stores scattered around the mall area. There are several “strip malls” and several other “shopping center” type areas in a one to two mile radius of The Kitsap Mall. The Kitsap Mall is centrally located for all parts of Kitsap County.

I had never heard of Kohl’s until I moved to Connecticut in 2003 and I fell in love. Luckily there were Kohl’s in California and while I was living there I knew they were making the move to Washington! Just this past fall a brand new Kohl’s opened in the Kitsap Mall.

You will have plenty of places to shop, but if you need to have a fix of a shop not onthe Peninsula you can drive down I-5 to the South Center area of Tukwila and fine a huge mall that to me will always be call South Center even though it has been purchased by Westfield like all the rest. Depending on traffic you can get to Tukwila in about 60 minutes. Forty minutes is the Tacoma Mall if you go south and if you take the ferry you could be shopping downtown Seattle in about 60 minutes.

Here is a list of some of the local area shops and where they are located.

Bremerton

• Fred Meyer
• K-Mart
• Wal-Mart
• Walgreens
• Rite Aid
• Lowe’s

Silverdale

• Kitsap Mall
• Circuit City
• Best Buy
• Sportsman’s Warehouse
• Home Depot
• Target
• Big 5
• Pier 1
• Costco
• Office Depot
• Bed, Bath & Beyond
• Ross
• Tuesday Morning
• Old Navy

The list could go on and on for Silverdale

Poulsbo

• Wal-Mart Supercenter

Port Orchard

• Wal-Mart

.

.

.

The Kitsap Mall

Monday-Saturday: 10am-9pm

Sunday: 11am-6pm

Restaurant & Department Store Hours May Vary

Silverdale Way & Randall

(360) 698-2555

Store Directory – click here ==> Store Directory

If this is the first time you [...]]]> Welcome to Kitsap County on the Beautiful Kitsap Peninsula between the Olympic and Cascade Mountain ranges in Washington State. The Kitsap Peninsula area belongs to Navy Region Northwest with Naval Base Kitsapwhich includes Bremerton, Bangor and Keyport, Puget Sound Naval Shipyard (PSNS & IMF), and Naval Hospital Bremerton .

If this is the first time you have been stationed in the Puget Sound area, you are in for a treat. The Kitsap Peninsula area offers some of the best views of mountains and water as well as some of the best boating and recreational opportunities in the Greater Puget Sound Area. Within a mile radius you have several attractions and facilities to visit and explore. I always say I can be to the beach or the mountains in under an hour!

Public Schools

Where you choose to live while stationed with one of the Navy Region Northwest commands may very well depend on the school district you choose for your school age children. There are four school districts in the local area. The Bremerton School District , The South Kitsap School District , The North Kitsap School District and The Central Kitsap School District . The chart located below gives you a very broad look at the four districts side by side.

This is not an article about what people might think is the best district or the worst district. This article is to give you some information and some links so that you may start your search and find the district that best suits your family. There is more to a school district than its numbers, its test scores and its size. Factors such as location to employment for parents, local childcare and over all feel of community should be considered. After all the experience you and your family have in a certain school district is a direct reflection of your involvement.

You will want to make sure you do some research on the Washington State Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction website along with the OSPI Washington State Report Card . The Washington State PTA website can also give you the information about the program at each district which you can use to contact the parent organization and request newsletter and program information. Deciding on a school district can be very important so make sure you take your time and talk to as many other parents as possible.

Private Schools

Check here for the Private Schools Report for more information on Private schools in Kitsap County

Home School

There is a huge home schooling population in Kitsap County. Here are several links to help you find just the right fit.

HOMESCHOOL SUPPORT GROUPS IN
KITSAP COUNTY AND NORTH MASON

Kitsap
Eclectic Kitsap Homeschoolers’ Organization
E.K.H.O. is an inclusive group providing homeschool support and encouragement to a diverse, eclectic group of families seeking to educate their children at home.

hik4info
A list for homeschool related announcements only for Kitsap County.

Homeschooling In Kitsap – Information Only
A list for homeschool related announcements only for Kitsap County. No chat allowed, no stories, jokes, political information or other non-homeschool related issues.

Learning in Kitsap (LINK)
Homeschooling in Kitsap County? Interested in Field Trips, Play-dates, Park Days, Making Friends, Sharing Info and Ideas? Then LINK is the place for you! Contact us at linkhomeschoolgroup@yahoo.com.

Open Minded Homeschoolers In Kitsap
This list is for encouragement, support, and friendly chatter. It is open to anyone who is homeschooling or considering homeschooling.

Sovereign Spirit Homeschoolers
A real life homeschool group designed to network home schoolers living primarily in and around Kitsap County. We have no religious or political affiliation. There is no membership fee.

Choosing a school system is always an exhausting task. You may want to join some discussion boards and ask questions of those that are stationed here. You might try Military.com or TogetherWeServed (service member site). There are areas on those sites for some type of discussion.

Later this week I will post an article about what the shopping is like in the area. I know from being stationed in some remote areas that we always want to know what is “there” before we go.

Until then…Have a Fine Navy Day!!

For a Permanent Change of Station (PCS) relocation, you have three choices on how to move your household goods: commercial movers hired by the military, a DITY (do-it-yourself) move, or a partial DITY move which is a combination of both. I have never done a full [...]]]> Schedule of Events sounds better than organization – RIGHT!?

For a Permanent Change of Station (PCS) relocation, you have three choices on how to move your household goods: commercial movers hired by the military, a DITY (do-it-yourself) move, or a partial DITY move which is a combination of both. I have never done a full DITY move and don’t think I ever would. However, a partial DITY is a very smart choice if you know you won’t be going over your weight limit when the commercial movers package and load your HHGs. You must have permission for a DITY and a partial DITY so don’t assume you can hire a moving van, pack all of your HHG’s and then after you arrive go to the finance office and request reimbursement. It doesn’t work that way. I am sure you knew that, but every year I hear of someone that didn’t know and they were out a ton of money. The military will pay for your move based on the estimated weight of your household items, not to exceed the weight allowance determined by your pay grade.

This is the website you will want to bookmark. MilitaryHOMEFRONT has an amazing relocation section.

MilitaryHOMEFRONT is the central, trusted, up-to-date source for Service members and their families to find information about all DoD Quality of Life programs and services. Whether you live the military lifestyle or support those who do, you’ll find what you need at MilitaryHOMEFRONT.

I am not going to “reinvent the wheel” when it comes to a relocation calendar. I have used the calendar at the “Plan my Move” site of MilitaryHOMEFRONT and it is amazing. You can customize it for you and your family’s situation. I have set it up so that all you have to do is click on their logo here and you will be directed to the Plan My Move section in a new browser.

The next installment of Week One’s articles will be information on the Naval Base Kitsap housing market. I want to introduce you to our neighborhoods, our style of homes and what the real estate market is like here in West Puget Sound on the beautiful Kitsap Peninsula. Whether you want view, water or a nice townhouse we have just what you are dreaming of.

Until then……Have a Fine Navy Day!

LOCATION

Naval Base Kitsap is located in Kitsap County of West Puget Sound on the Kitsap Peninsula. Naval Base Kitsap is composed of Naval Base Kitsap – Bangor and Naval Base Kitsap Bremerton. Naval Base Kitsap is part of the Navy Region Northwest. Bangor is the submarine community and Bremerton is the Ship community. [...]]]>

LOCATION

Naval Base Kitsap is located in Kitsap County of West Puget Sound on the Kitsap Peninsula. Naval Base Kitsap is composed of Naval Base Kitsap – Bangor and Naval Base Kitsap Bremerton. Naval Base Kitsap is part of the Navy Region Northwest. Bangor is the submarine community and Bremerton is the Ship community. Bremerton is also connected to Puget Sound Naval Shipyard (IMF). Bremerton is located in the city of Bremerton and Bangor is located closely to the town of Silverdale.

Centrally located to both bases is Naval Hospital Bremerton which also falls under the Navy Region Northwest. NHB sailors and families use the facilities on Bremerton and Bangor. Naval Hospital Bremerton is a fully accredited acute care and obstetrical hospital. My husband was stationed at Naval Hospital Bremerton when I met him.

Kitsap Peninsula is located just across Puget Sound from Seattle. You can travel to Seattle via ferry or drive around by going over the newly designed Tacoma Narrow Bridge. Depending on the time of day and the traffic volume the trip to Seattle usually takes 1 ½ hours.

You are now in “God’s County”. The area offers some of the best views of mountains and water as well as some of the best boating and recreational opportunities in the Greater Puget Sound Area. Within a mile radius you have several attractions and facilities to visit and explore.

BANGOR

• Active Duty Military 5,700
• Civilian Employees 2,700
• Contractors 1,000
• Family Members 7,900
• Retirees 3,200

BREMERTON

• Active Duty Military 7,125
• Family Members 10,800
• Area Military Retirees 14,500
• Civilian Employees 10,371

Naval Base Kitsap has a new website location so make sure you bookmarks this URL in your favorites for further information. This link will open in a new window for your convenience.

Naval Base Kitsap Part of CNR Northwest – Supporting Command to the Warfighter

Located on Bremerotn you will find fitness facilities, a commissary and a NEX. You will find the same facilities located on Bangor. The facilities on Bangor are larger as is the housing area. What I find nice is there is always a commissary open. The Bremerton Commissary is closed on Tuesdays, while the Bangor Commissary is closed on Mondays. Of course I really think that all commissaries should be open 7 days a week. What is this 1952!!

In week two of this on-line relocation package series I will write an article more in-depth about the base amenities.

Until next time….Have a Fine Navy Day!

When I say “Take Charge” I mean it. There are so many military members that have no clue on what the move process is even though they have been threw it. A few months down the road they find out from speaking to someone else that they missed out on some huge entitlements. Remember it [...]]]>

When I say “Take Charge” I mean it. There are so many military members that have no clue on what the move process is even though they have been threw it. A few months down the road they find out from speaking to someone else that they missed out on some huge entitlements. Remember it is your responsibility to request all of your benefits and to receive the full value of your entitlements.

First you want to educate your self about the basic relocation reimbursement programs.

Remember not to listen to rumors when it comes to your allowances. Allowances change from time to time and even if you are doing research on the internet there are a few .dod sites that are not update and do have the incorrect information. You need to physically check with the finance office on your installation for the exact amounts. Just remember that even there you might run into misinformation so book mark this link and read the information prior to your appointment. If you think something is not right then do the research in the Department of Defense, Per Diem, Travel and Transportation Allowance website and the JFTR Portal located there then schedule a follow up appointment. Sometimes those involved either are mislead or don’t know that an article has changed.

Department of Defense | Per Diem, Travel and Transportation Allowance

Dislocation Allowance – DLA

• The DLA is intended to help with miscellaneous moving costs. It is paid once per PCS move.

Per Diem Allowance

• The Per Diem Allowance is to reimburse you and your family for the costs of meals and lodging when you travel to your new duty station.

Temporary Lodging Expense – TLE

• The TLE is to partly reimburse relocating members and families for the cost of meals and lodging incurred when temporary housing is needed

Advance Basic Pay

• This is basically an interest-free loan you can get when you make a permanent change of station move. You normally repay advance basic pay in 12 equal installments. This is not something I would advise.

Monetary Allowance – MALT

• The MALT is the amount paid when a member and/or the member’s family drive to their new duty station, based on the Official Military Table of Distances.

House Hunting Trip Prior to Move

• You may request a permissive TDY for up to 10 days. There is no transportation or per diem paid, members are not charge for leave.

I have left off any type of dollar amounts for a reason. I feel it is the responsibility of the member to do the research and be prepared at the finance office meeting.

Once you have a copy of your official PCS orders you will want to make an appointment with your transportation office. The earlier, the greater your chances of moving on the timetable you desire. At this meeting there will be an explanation of your PCS entitlements. You will have to make some decisions on how and who will move you. Full government move or DITY (which needs approval) or a combination of both. We usually do the combination. We are never over our weight allowance for HHG (household goods) so we file a partial Dity to receive compensation on the weight of goods we haul in our POV (personal vehicle).

You many also qualify to use the online 24/7 Smart Web Move internet site and process the schedule of your HHG’s online. Here you can handle the process at home from your computer. SmartWebMove is currently serving 80% of routine moves from station to station. However, if you don’t qualify or don’t want to participate you can just contact your Personal Property Office.

We have never been eligible for the SmartWebMove probably because we have alwaysbeen transferred from Marine Corps base to Marine Corps base but I know that is now changing and the SWM is handling Marine Corps moves too.

There you have the process. Now it is your responsibility to “Take Charge” and make sure that you and your family receive your full military benefits. The next article this week will address a moving calendar and some time-lines to help you get organized.

Till then…….Have a Fine Navy Day!!

Every year it is estimated that one third of Active Duty Military members have to plan and execute a permanent change of duty station or PCS in military speak. The most important part of a PCS is to take charge, it’s your PCS!! There is a ton of help out there but you [...]]]>

Every year it is estimated that one third of Active Duty Military members have to plan and execute a permanent change of duty station or PCS in military speak. The most important part of a PCS is to take charge, it’s your PCS!! There is a ton of help out there but you are going to have to find and ask for it. The military will also help with the expense but you are going to have to know your allowances and your entitlements and you are going to have to request them and follow all the rules.

When it comes to a PCS you will find lots of people that are going to want to tell you how to do it, they will tell you what the rules are, they will tell you what they could or couldn’t do. As with anything else even though there are strict rules overseeing the military PCS process each command at each installation are full of individuals who will interpret the “rules” a million different ways so you need to know where to find the truth.

I have been a Navy Spouse for 4 years and during that time I have moved 3 times. All 3 of the moves were cross the country – West Coast to East Coast to West Coast to Alaska. I am now “home” and will be able to stay here for several years. I just give you this information so that you can feel comfortable with the information I am going to give and to help us start building that relationship of trust. I know people do business with those they trust and I want to be the one person you can trust when it comes to any of your real estate needs.

Over the next 4 weeks I will be writing a series on relocation to Naval Base Kitsap.

Week One – Take Charge | Know Your PCS

Week one will feature four articles that will deal with the nuts and bolts of a PCS. You need to know what to do prior to your move. I will touch on the subjects of allowances, entitlements, planning a moving calendar to incorporate “to do lists”, and research of your new area with an installation overview. We will also explore the local housing market and discuss the aspects of homeownership in Kitsap County.

Week Two – Close-up | Bremerton, Silverdale, Port Orchard

Week two will feature four articles about the place you are going to call home. We will look at the areas to reside, the local shopping scene, school district information and those special base amenities.

Week Three – Let’s Have Some Fun | Out & About Area Attractions

Week three will be spent reading about the new area you will be calling home, the beautiful Kitsap Peninsula on West Puget Sound. This week I will be writing about local attractions, the local art scene, the parks and what there is to do around town and local.

Week Four – Make it a Vacation on the Navy | Day Trips and Mini Vacations.

I know that after I am settled in and have explored the local area I always like to find out what is on the out skirts. This week I will post some articles about what there is to do in the “Greater Puget Sound” area. Become a tourist in your own backyard and enjoy the so many Puget Sound attractions.

So hang on – we are in for a ride and when we are done we will be neighbors –

Let me be the first to WELCOME YOU to Naval Base Kitsap,

on the beautiful Kitsap Peninsula of West Puget Sound!