Cyber path to a better move. (Airman Consumer).Orders and movers and rent, oh my! Although a cliche, the phrase reflects the chaos and frustration of relocation. Every year about one-third of military members relocate to new assignments. Countless Web sites can make transitions almost as easy as clicking a mouse by linking the information superhighway (1) A generic name for the Internet. (2) A proposed high-speed communications system that was touted by the Clinton/Gore administration to enhance education in America in the 21st century. Its purpose was to help all citizens regardless of their income level. from one assignment to the next. It's so easy, in fact, that it seems moving without using the Internet would be virtually impossible. When wind of pending orders first blows, it's important to thoroughly research the new base. Several years ago, before computers were commonplace, the airman network--word of mouth--was one good way to learn about a new location. But now, technology has made access to data quicker than a brochure-or guide-gathering trip to your local family support center. In fact, relocation branches across the Air Force rely so much on the Web that the job of supporting airmen on the move would become inefficient without it. "The Internet has made contact to base information and access to sponsor packages almost immediate," said Carla Schoon, relocation assistance program manager at Lackland Air Force Base Lackland Air Force Base (lăk`lənd), U.S. military installation, c.6,835 acres (2,766 hectares), S Tex., W of San Antonio; est. 1941. It is a major air force training center. , Texas. The office created a file that can be e-mailed to anyone looking to relocate to the area, Without e-mail, time zone differences would make contact with overseas support centers almost impossible. To get an overview at a glance, there are several places to look. Two of the sites used by Schoon's office--www.afcrossroads.com and www.dmdc.osd.mil/sites--ensure airmen are ready for any transition. And to get another perspective, there's www.moveagain.com for information on military bases and surrounding communities. Understanding how permanent change of station moves work can be overwhelming, so www.defenselink.mil/specials/itsyourmove is a one-stop shopping data site with news and defense transportation regulations to shape the rookie mover into a veteran shaker Shaker Member of the United Society of Believers in Christ's Second Appearing, a celibate millenarian sect. Derived from a branch of the radical English Quakers (see Society of Friends), the movement was brought to the U.S. . And for those new to the Air Force, "AF101," downloadable from www.airforcefamily.com/af101a.html is an invaluable source. Not only does the publication outline moving, but it gives a complete overview of the service. As the big day nears, www.pcs-tdy.com can create a moving timeline after you answer a few simple questions. And www.militaryacclimate.com can give you an idea how much the move should cost with formulated estimates. Another aid is the relocation plan builder at http://dticaw.dtic.mil/mapsite/relocate.html with a breakdown of what to expect in the upcoming weeks. For an extensive overall site, check out www.rileyguide.com/relocate.html. It's packed with everything from address changes and cost-of-living comparisons to health care options. Sites like www.realtor.com, www.housereal.com and www.homegain.com cannot only virtually jump-start a house hunt, they can calculate mortgage payments, recommend real estate agents and peek into community statistics and area school district ratings. Some real estate listings even have realistic online tours taking you from room to room--the next best thing to being there. Once you get ready to hit the road, www.frectrip.com can assist in planning the route and suggesting lodging along the way. Helpful Web sites worth a click: www.afcrossroads.com * www.dmdc.osd.mil/sites * www.freetrip.com @@@@ ^ www.travelplanner.net @@@@ ^ www.atec.army.mil/injune/relocate.htm # ^^^ www.rileyguide.com/relocate.html @ $ #### @@@ @@ www.pcs-tdy.com # ^^^^ @@@@ @@@ #### * http://dticaw.dtic.mil/mapsite/relocate.html ### ## * ** $ ^ # www.realtor.com #### @@@ $ www.moveagain.com ^ * www.defenselink.mil/specials/itsyourmove ### ^^ *** www.chamberofcommerce.com @ ^ @@@@ www.ecola.com #### @ www.theschoolreport.com @@@ www.homes.com #### $ ^^^ @ www.springstreet.com #### # @ ### www.homefair.com #### ### ^^^ @ ** $ www.usajobs.opm.gov ** *** www.afpc.randolph.af.mil An Internet address domain name for a military agency. See Internet address. (networking) mil - The top-level domain for entities affiliated with US armed forces. ** www.odedodea.edu @@@ ** www.dtic.mil/perdiem $ ^^ ^ @ www.travlang.com/languages *** www.oanda.com/convert *** $ www.x-rates.com *** $ www.tricare.osd.mil @@ *** www.whereismypov.com ### *** Key $ Financial or mortgage calculator Mortgage calculators are used to help a current or potential real estate owner determine how much they can afford to borrow to purchase a piece of real estate. Mortgage calculators can also be used to compare the costs or real interest rates between several different loans, determine the # Checklist ## Timeline calculator ### Moving tips #### Househunting resource @ Cost of living and demographics @@ Health care locations ^ Lodging info ^^ Travel regulations ^^^ Do-it-yourself move data ^^^^ Phone numbers * Base information ** Civilian employment *** Overseas RELATED ARTICLE: Five 'valuable' before and after moving tips: 1. Have expensive and valuable items appraised. Although the government won't pay for the appraisal, it can be calculated into the claim if an item is lost or damaged. 2. Videotape videotape Magnetic tape used to record visual images and sound, or the recording itself. There are two types of videotape recorders, the transverse (or quad) and the helical. or take detailed photos to show condition of valuable items. This depicts the item as it was prior to the move and simplifies the claim process. 3. Hand-carry small, extremely valuable items. This includes things like stocks, bonds, jewelry jewelry, personal adornments worn for ornament or utility, to show rank or wealth, or to follow superstitious custom or fashion. The most universal forms of jewelry are the necklace, bracelet, ring, pin, and earring. collectibles and irreplaceable items like photo albums, Pack these items in a suitcase along with receipts, videotape of valuables and appraisals. 4. Think twice about helping the movers. Keep in mind that if you assist the carrier with loading or unloading Unloading Selling securities or commodities whose prices are dropping to minimize loss. the truck you may affect the carrier's liability for damage. So being helpful may not be the best idea when it comes to a move. 5. If you waive To intentionally or voluntarily relinquish a known right or engage in conduct warranting an inference that a right has been surrendered. For example, an individual is said to waive the right to bring a tort action when he or she renounces the remedy provided by law for such unpacking, the carrier isn't obligated to return to the location. Signing an unpacking waiver lets the carrier off the hook for completing the job, including removing empty cartons, packing material and other debris. --from "It's Your Move" Air Force pamphlet pamphlet, short unbound or paper-bound book of from 64 to 96 pages. The pamphlet gained popularity as an instrument of religious or political controversy, giving the author and reader full benefit of freedom of the press. 24-226 Online forms lessen hassles of moving for civilians For some civilian employees about to relocate, the days of bouncing between local personnel, traffic management and finance offices are history. Forms needed to get moving orders, like cost estimates and transportation agreements, are now available online. The new features on the permanent change of station homepage, at www.afpc.randolph.af.mil/dpc/pcs/pcs.htm, provide information to make moves easier, said Kathy Hill, chief of the personnel support branch at Air Force Personnel Center. "It used to take two weeks or more for people to get their orders back after turning in their paperwork," Hill said. "Now we're averaging seven days or less." More than 1,600 employees moving each year to or from one of the 82 bases serviced by the center will be required to use the new home page to complete their paperwork, she said. Completed forms can be e-mailed or faxed to the center. Those not going to or from an Air Force Personnel Center-serviced base must still coordinate their paperwork through the appropriate civilian personnel flight or agency. But the PCS (1) (Personal Communications Services) Refers to wireless services that emerged after the U.S. government auctioned commercial licenses in 1994 and 1995. This radio spectrum in the 1. Web can be used as a reference tool for information by any civilian mover. People can search specific information for each of the five most common types of civilian moves. The site also offers guides, policies and answers to many frequently asked questions. "Moving is a challenging endeavor," Hill said. "Getting important information about your move shouldn't be, The site is a valuable information resource for any civilian employee about to move." --1st Lt. Brondon Lingle Air Force Personnel Center Public Affairs Those public information, command information, and community relations activities directed toward both the external and internal publics with interest in the Department of Defense. Also called PA. See also command information; community relations; public information. |
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