Getting Started - Before Arrival OCONUS

Welcome and congratulations on your overseas assignment! Be sure to take advantage of this adventure and see all that this new duty location has in store for you.

Whether you are at Aviano teeing off at the beautifully landscaped Alpine Golf Course on base with a 7,000-foot-tall mountain in front of you or visiting the beautiful markets in the German countryside surrounding Ramstein, the options are endless. 

No matter where you go, you can enjoy the many offerings in the local ares, such as wineries, open-air markets and events that happen year-round.  Get immersed in your new home!

At first it may feel overwhelming, however soon you will be settled in and learn all the ins-and-outs of living in at your new location and how to experience the culture. Your sponsor will help you settle in and you’ll be part of overseas AF family.

Things to Get Started Right Away & Keep in Mind

1. Passports & Visas:  Depending on your PCS destination, your dependents will probably need to obtain an official passport and/or visa prior to arrival. See your orders and/or outbound assignment counselor.
2. Hotel Reservations: On-base lodging is sometimes in short supply. Reservations can be made in advance and your sponsor can assist to securing lodging.
3. Shipping Household Goods (HHG): Learn to split your household goods (HHG) into various shipments to get settled sooner.
4. Joint Travel Regulations at your fingertips.
5. Cell Phones & Staying in Touch: Learn about cell phones & staying in touch while overseas.

Key Spouses are a vital link between unit leadership and families. They help your family prepare for separations due to deployments and long-term TDYs and can direct your family to resources on base.

Key Spouses also help you connect to your unit and the Aviano community as well as provide information regarding overseas PCS, the base and surrounding area, squadron Facebook page, etc. to give inbound spouse resources for a smooth transition and easier integration into spouse programs upon arrival in order to improve unit morale . Contact your unit’s Key Spouses today!

1. Plan My Move: Creates a custom checklist for your move.
2. Military Installations: Look up installation information about your new destination including command phone numbers, key programs and services, and customizable installation booklets.