The First of Many

     So, I have just recently married into the army and we are doing our first move together to, of all places, Korea! The first thoughts that come careening through my mind are things like: "We're going where and for how long?!" "What have I gotten myself into?!" "How does one effectively learn a foreign language? and, "Can I bring my lifeline/cell phone?" But no worries, such thoughts were quickly banished by the rational part of my brain, and I went into research mode. What I found was a vast quagmire of numerous conflicting opinions about what to and not to do in preparation for our upcoming PCS. Solution: go to ACS and play the part of the completely clueless new army wife--worked like a charm! Since the initial slight panic, I thought that maybe it would be a good idea to put my adventures down on the proverbial paper for others to hopefully benefit from. (Note: This blog is written from the perspective of flight school and may not apply to everyone's PCS.)

     While on that first hunt for information at the ACS office, I discovered some useful tidbits of information. #1. I need to have an Exceptional Family Member screening, regardless of whether I view myself as exceptional or not. Side note: later that evening, my husband was so gracious as to point out that I am quite exceptional and really do need the exam. Thanks. :)

#2. Spouses can go to the Levy Brief. Yay! If you can coax the information out of your husband (or wife) about when this is, and inform them that YES, you can go, it is extremely helpful to go.  It answered many of the questions that I had bouncing around in my brain like overactive super balls. Which brings me to today when my hubby and I attended the Levy brief.

     Going into it, I was rather in a state of fear and trepidation that I would be the only spouse attending. Imagine my delight when we walked in and there were 2 other spouses in the briefing room.  Praise the Lord! A rather large wave of relief washed over me.  We got there 20 minutes early, so Hubby introduced me to a few people, then I prepared to be the most meticulous note-taker there. Watch out, Levy Brief, here I come!

     As it turns out, much paperwork is involved in a PCS.  First, you have to wait for your husband to get an RFO (Request for Orders), which he can then print off and bring, attend the Levy brief (mandatory) then fill out DA form 5118.  For those of us who are OCONUS, there are a few extra steps.  Your family (your soldier, you, and any kids over 14) have to take a security awareness online course and print out the certificate which you bring in (Keep this certificate! You will need it when you arrive at your new duty station for in-processing.), then fill out forms 5121 and 4036 and your good to go! For requesting your orders, that is.

Well, that's all the time I have for tonight, folks. Rest assured that I shall continue the fact spewing after my morning cup of coffee tomorrow.