The process of a Permanent Change of Station (PCS) resembles a large maze, where you know there is a beginning and an ending. However, the problem is selecting the proper path between the two. The Airman and Family Readiness Center has many resources to assist with finding the right path for your PCS

Smooth Move
This seminar (a must for first-time movers, great for all) provides empowering information that contributes to a less-stress relocation. You will receive briefings detailing the current entitlements/benefits, as well as many helpful hints associated with relocation process. Briefings include: Legal Claims (satisfies the vMPF outprocessing requirement for military members), Housing, Military Pay, TMO, Tri-West, Family Advocacy, and Airman and Family Readiness Center. Spouses encouraged to attend! To sign up call 509-247-2246

Individual/Family Appointments
The Airman and Family Readiness Center offers one-on-one consultations designed to meet your personal relocation needs. We will provide the most current information on your next duty station and surrounding community, a locally-developed Relocation Assistance Guide, and many resources/freebies for your move. The flexibility in our consultation allows us to ensure your every question/concern is brought to the table and an answer or a referral to the proper agency is provided. To make an appointment call 509-247-2246

Relocation Assistance Guide
Locally-developed in coordination with Fairchild AFB agencies, this booklet provides dozens of websites, hundreds of tips to make your move easier on everyone in the family – even the pets! Special section for members/families going overseas

Loan Closet
Borrow household items and stay in your home after your household goods have been packed. Members/families who are PCS’ing may borrow items for up to 30 days. Available items include: cooking kits, dishes, silverware, coffee pots, toaster, microwave, TV/DVD, baby items and more. The Loan Closet is located at the Airman and Family Readiness Center, open M-F from 8:00-3:00. For more information, please call 509-247-2246

Airman’s Attic
Part of a PCS usually involves sorting through your belongings and deciding what is no longer needed. The Airman’s Attic accepts donations M-F from 8:00–3:00. Items are then given to Fairchild AFB personnel. Help your fellow Airmen!

You’ll Need a Sponsor
If you are nearing your departure from Fairchild AFB and have not heard from a sponsor, please contact your gaining unit or the FAFB Airman and Family Readiness Center at 509-247-2246. We will contact your next duty station and put you in touch with a sponsor. Or, you could check the website below to determine if a sponsor has been assigned to you: eApplication & Training (eSAT) - registration for sponsor and newcomer, sponsorship training, sponsor duty checklist, newcomer and family needs assessment, websites, customer satisfaction surveys...  Sponsorship is so very vital to the relocation process that no one should leave FAFB without talking to his or her sponsor prior to departure

Air Force Key Spouse Program
Key Spouses work in partnership with the Squadron Commander and First Sergeant, and serve as a communication liaison with spouses/family members and leadership. Spouses are encouraged to contact the squadron Key Spouse prior to arrival, and to provide their updated contact information (phone, address, e-mail) after arrival.  The military member's sponsor, supervisor, First Sergeant or squadron admin section can provide Key Spouse name and contact information. If further assistance is needed, please contact the Airman and Family Readiness Center at your new installation

Military Installations and Plan My Move
These DoD relocation tools contain resources for everyone who is relocating from one duty station to another. Information is posted and kept current by installation family center personnel. Installation information includes websites, phone numbers, addresses, and email addresses of key agencies, as well as local community facts/resources and organization contacts. Military Installations replaced the well-known "SITES" website in 2007.  

Automated Housing Referral Network (AHRN)
The Automated Housing Referral Network is sponsored by the Department of Defense and is designed to improve the process of securing available housing (rental or purchase) for relocating military members and their families. DoD personnel may also list their For Sale By Owner home on website at no cost.

File Your Travel Voucher
Permanent Change of Station In-Processing System (PIPS) is used upon arrival at the new duty station for the Financial Services In-Processing briefing and travel voucher requirements. Members must access PIPS on a CAC-enabled computer. PIPS includes information and links for the following topics: Travel Entitlements (Mileage, Per Diem, Dislocation Allowance), Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH), Temporary Lodging Expense (TLE), Family Separation Allowance (FSA), Enlisted Meal Deductions, Advance Military Pay, Advance BAH, Cost of Living Allowance (COLA); and for OCONUS only: Temporary Lodging Allowance (TLA), Overseas Housing Allowance (OHA), Hardship Duty Pay-Location (HDP-L), Imminent Danger Pay (IDP), Combat Zone Tax Exclusion (CZTE).

Spouse Employment
There is good information in the Employment tab to the left for all aspects of employment and job search. Two that specifically relate to relocation are Relocation and Job Search and Unemployment Eligibility.

The Military Spouses Residency Relief Act (MSRRA), Public Law 111-97
Gives military spouses some of the same residency and domicile benefits as servicemembers: this may impact voting, state income taxes, vehicle registration and driver license. The legislation does not apply to dependent children. The law is complicated and fact specific, and because its effect will depend on the interpretations of each state, spouses are encouraged to seek free, confidential advice from a legal assistance office. The Fairchild AFB Legal Office phone number is 509-247-2838

Military Youth on the Move (MYOM)
Provides information and resources for elementary, middle, and high school-age children and parents to help navigate the challenges of the mobile military lifestyle

Federal endorsement not intended. The appearance of hyperlinks does not constitute endorsement by the U.S. Air Force or the information, products or services contained therein. For other than authorized activities such as military exchanges and morale, welfare and recreation sites, the U.S. Air Force does not exercise any editorial control over the information you may find at these locations. Such links provided are consistent with the stated purpose of this website.