Going from residency to AF

[AF Anesthesia]

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Hey everyone,

I'm finishing Anes. residency in June. I've been reading the posts and picked up lots of useful information (even though it's depressing). I am confused about moving/housing. I am awaiting orders now for my 1st assignment. I've seen several posts recommending that you don't make any housing arrangments until you get on base because the assignment can change. I'm married w/ 2 small kiddies.
I have one week of vacation left before July arrives and I report to the AF. We were planning on using that time to look for and possibly buy a house if we are stationed CONUS. If you wait until you report for duty to find housing exactly when do you go find it? Where do you sleep in the mean time? Don't you lose the benefit of the military paying for your move if you don't find a place until after you're there (I'm assuming this means 2 moves and the second one you pay for).
Thanks in advance for any insight!

AF Anesthesia

 

[colbgw02]

Typically, housing decisions aren't made until after the move because it's so difficult to do something like that long distance and because you can't put your name on the housing list (for government quarters) until you report. If you know that you want to live off-post and are comfortable doing it ahead of time, then rock on.

Having PCS'd many times, we've done the temporary housing thing just about every way there is to do it...stay with friends, camp out in temporary quarters, live in a hotel for weeks on end. No way is particularly fun.

You only have to move yourself if you take receipt of your household goods, which you're not obligated to do immediately, and then move somewhere else. You'll have some time to find permanent housing (at least 30 days, I think). If you anticipate having to live somewhere temporarily (~3 months), then you can separate your shipments beforehand to take receipt of only the basics (1 TV, microwave oven, washer & dryer, etc.). Later you can take the full shipment.

 

[Sgt Whizzo]

I believe that when you arrive to a new base you are entitled to some lodging reimbersement in addition to your BAH. The additional entitlement is called TLE (temporary lodging entitlement) and, I think, is worth up to 10 days of the lodging rate for your base. So, you should call the lodging office at the base now and make reservations for your family and let them know you are on orders (this gives you priority for the family units). Also, as far as house hunting, get in touch with your new boss and let him know your circumstances. Most commanders will try to help you get some time off for getting settled when you first arrive. You should be able to sign in and then be released for a week or so to house hunt. Additionally, they should release you to meet the movers when they bring your stuff. Good luck.
Sgt FT Whizzo

 

[colbgw02]

I could be mistaken, but TLA (as it's called in the army) may only be for PCSs either to or from OCONUS.

 

[resxn]

I was in the same situation you were in 3 years ago. People told me not to buy a house because my department would close and I'd get the old PCS card pulled within months.

I bought a house anyway. Here's why: Market was good for selling back quickly (now a great buyer's market, not so much for a seller), I was sick of living in aparments, I wanted a life with a yard for my kids, a trampoline, and a dog or two.

I got it. I'm selling my house this month for very little profit, but it's ok, because I got out of it what I wanted. It was worth it. Even if I lost a little cash, because my salary increase is so dramatic, it still would be worth it.

Also, at my base, the base housing is about as nice as a rat hole.

 

[g293]

Let us know where your assignment is and we can let you know how stable that location is (how likely it is you will be there 3-4 years). If I had to put money on a likely assignment, I'd guess Keesler AFB in MS since they are getting everything they want right now as they rebuild.

 

[AF Anesthesia]

Thanks for the feedback. I'll definetely post with lots of questions when I find out where we're headed. I really hope it's not Keesler - that was last on my rank list of 15 bases. Although, it sounds like filling out the rank list might be a complete waste of time. Does anybody happen to know how far along they are on rebuilding? Last I heard everyone was having to live in towns North of Biloxi because everything was gone.

 

[BomberDoc]

If you put it last on your preference list, it is a virtual guarantee that is where you'll end up going. I learned this one the hard way. The assignments process is geared to making you as unhappy as possible for as long as possible.

Yes, somebody did in fact pee in my wheaties this morning.