Moving and Family Logistics for OCONUS Moves

MilSpouses can begin planning for the transition as soon as their service member receives orders.

• Search for jobs on the installation and in the local community through the Spouse Education and Career Opportunities network.
• Personalized online career and education coaching is available for military spouses.

Military OneSource provides support from professionally trained consultants to help you create an individualized action plan, provide planning and packing tips, offer financial counseling and connect you to resources and information on housing, child care, education, employment and more. Our consultants are available 24/7 to answer your questions and connect you to resources. Call 800-342-9647, use OCONUS calling options or schedule a live chat today.

Military OneSource offers free, confidential counseling to discuss adjustment difficulties or ways to manage relocation stress. You can connect with a counselor 24/7 to schedule an appointment over the phone, in person, via secure online live chat or secure video sessions. Counseling is also available through your installation’s Military and Family Life Counseling Program.

Moving to a foreign country can be both exciting and overwhelming. Military OneSource peer-to-peer support is available so that you — and your family members — can talk to someone who understands your experience.

If you have a family member with special needs, consultants with the Exceptional Family Member Program can help you make sure your family member’s needs are met during and after your move, especially if your exceptional family member will transfer to a new school. You can also check out the EFMP & Me online tool for information and support anytime, anywhere.

It’s important to prepare children for the huge change of an overseas move. make your move a smooth transition for all.

• Read about ways you can help your children cope with moving.
• Connect your child to the youth center at your new installation.
• Reach out to your current and new installations to access children, youth and teens resources.
• Explore virtual and in-person counseling services for your family.
  • Children under 18 with parental consent are eligible for counseling through your installation’s Military and Family Life Counseling Program.
  • Youth ages 13-17 are also eligible for Military OneSource counseling if a parent is present at the start of each session to give consent.
  • Children ages 6-12 must have a parent present during Military OneSource counseling sessions.

Find a variety of videos, worksheets and tips from Sesame Street for Military Families to help young children manage the challenges of military life. Check out their relocation resources.

If you’re looking for help with education questions, your local school liaison can connect you with the support you need.

• School liaisons are located at each installation and can help with transition support before and after a PCS.
• School liaisons can connect older children with a youth sponsor, provide information on school districts and boundaries, assist with transfer of credits and class registration, help locate after-school and extracurricular programs, and set up tutoring referrals.
• They can also connect you to the Exceptional Family Member Program and your school’s special education department, as well as help you navigate your new school district’s special education program.

Listen to this podcast about how school liaisons can help geo-dispersed families.
Learn more about what schools are available to children on military installations, and visit the Department of Defense Education Activity website for more information about DODEA schools.

MilitaryChildCare.com is the DOD’s global request-for-care management system to help military families explore child care options and locate department-approved providers around the world. Learn more about military child care programs, including expanded hourly child care services, through Military OneSource. You can register for on-installation care anywhere in the world through MilitaryChildCare.com.

Go online or head to the library to learn about the language, culture, popular music, local sports teams and more in your next home. Let your child help with the research and encourage them to explore their own areas of interest as well. Try to get your children excited about the new adventures before you arrive.

For great online resources, check out the new DOD MWR Libraries.

You and your family are about to star in your own overseas adventure, so you might enjoy finding characters that do the same. Help your child search online for titles or ask someone at your school to help.

Moving overseas can enable your family to expand your travel horizons in an exciting way. Print out a map and grab a marker or some pushpins. Mark your new location then explore the nearby area and landmarks. Make a wish list and share it with your family.

• Learn about how to vacation with MWR recreational lodging facilities around the world.
• You can also explore military vacation discounts available through Armed Forces Travel℠.

Your tour will be over before you know it, so be sure to take advantage of your overseas travel opportunities.

Weight restrictions may limit what you can take with you on this move. Have your child make a list of items that are most important. As your child leaves behind important items, remind him or her of the cool mementos that they will likely bring back from your overseas adventure.

Get the family involved early in learning the new language. Try using language recordings and phrase books or even taking a formal class to get familiar with how the local people speak. The Mango Languages program from the new DOD MWR Libraries offers over 70 languages.

Contact your new installation school liaison for support with overseas education transitions. Ask questions about where schools are located, how the grade levels are divided, whether the children will be wearing a uniform, and what’s in the curriculum. School liaisons can also help with transferring records and registration, locating extra-curricular activities, youth sponsorship programs and much more. Share as much information as you can so your child can be involved in the transition.

Help your child make a plan to stay in touch with old friends. Remember that you may be several time zones apart, so figure out what is the best time for children and friends to communicate. Encourage your child to write letters. Make sure your child provides friends with the new address before you leave.

The Youth Sponsorship Program is a great way to help your children meet new friends and feel at home in their new community. Youth sponsors are available through your installation youth program center and through local schools. Contact your installation school liaison for more information about youth sponsorship.

Check out the fun things to do at your new installation and suggest a few clubs or teams to your child. You can also volunteer in your new community and meet fellow parents who might give you some ideas about how to help your child adjust to the new community. Contact your installation Military and Family Support Center for information about volunteer opportunities and other family programs.

Discuss the possibility of inviting relatives and friends to visit. As you get settled and get to know your new area, think about what you’d like to share with visitors. Sometimes a familiar face goes a long way to help a child feel at home.

Have your child record and share the new and interesting sights you see along the way. Your child might use a travel journal, collect postcards or save memories in another creative way. Recording an adventure could help create a sense of ownership and accomplishment for your child.