Military Housing: Living on an Installation for the First Time

Living on a military installation for the first time can be a great opportunity to connect with other military families and become part of a global service-oriented community. Installation living enables service members to be close to work and allows families to save money on rent and utilities.

Another big advantage to living on an installation is convenience. Everything from child care and medical treatment to libraries, playgrounds, recreational facilities and grocery shopping — are all available close to home. If you’re considering living on an installation or have moved to one for the first time, here are some programs and resources you’ll want to explore.

Becoming a member of the military installation community

Moving to any new community can bring exciting opportunities and also raise many questions about day-to-day living. The military offers a wide array of relocation resources and services to help you master your move and get settled into your new home on an installation.

• Military and Family Support Centers: Your installation Military and Family Support Center is your go-to location for all types of assistance. Learn about the comprehensive network of support programs and services offered by the Military Family Readiness System. Resources include:
  • Loan closets
  • Newcomer briefings
  • Family Readiness Groups
  • Deployment support
  • Family life education and counseling
  • Spouse education and career services
  • Financial readiness
• Military child care programs: Learn more about the variety of military child care program options, including installation child development centers, school-age child care, youth and teen programs and more. Contact your installation child development center or youth center for information about local programs.
• School liaisons: Installation school liaisons offer a wide range of support with education-related issues for children in grades pre-K through 12. Before your move, ask your current school liaison to connect you to your future installation’s school liaison to ensure a smooth transition for your children. Contact your installation School Liaison Program office for more information.

School liaisons can assist with a number of education issues including helping you:

• • Choose the right school for your child’s needs
  • Transfer credits and register at your new school
  • Locate after-school activities
  • Find a tutor
  • Access deployment support
  • Connect you to EFMP services

Watch this video to learn more about how school liaisons can help your military-connected student make a smooth transition.

• Commissary and exchange: Your installation commissary and exchange offers more than just savings on groceries and electronics. Learn about resources such as scholarships, employment, healthy living recipes and more.
• Military spouse resources: Need help transferring your professional license or finding a job in your new location? Learn more about tools and programs available to help military spouses with employment, education, family counseling and more.

Still have questions or need help finding resources? Military OneSource consultants are available 24/7 to help answer your questions and connect you with the support you need. Call us at 800-342-9647, use OCONUS calling options or start a live chat.