Relocation Readiness Program

Welcome

Welcome to Fort Jackson Army Community Service Relocation Readiness Program.
Moving is a part of life for Soldiers and their Families.  The Relocation Readiness
Program (RRP) provides assistance to military personnel, civilian employees and family members who will be moving to the Fort Jackson/Columbia community and those relocating to other military nstallations.  The mission of the Relocation Readiness Program is to minimize the stress of relocation by offering information, skills and resources to Soldiers, civilian employees and family members that will simplify the moving process.  If Fort Jackson is your first assignment in the Army, please contact us, by email or phone, (803) 751-1124/5256 for guidance on your PCS move. We are here to help you!

Don't Make A Move Without Us!

The following services are provided by the Relocation Readiness Program:

Inbound Services

Welcome Packets:  Packets are available on request by email,usarmy.jackson.93-sig-bde.mbx.jackson-acs@mail.mil or telephone, 803-751-5256/1124, DSN 734-5256/1124, or for a copy to be mailed to you; please provide mailing address.  The packet provides additional information on the Fort Jackson/Columbia areas, including foldout maps and various publications provided by agencies in the area.  To learn more
about surrounding communities visit www.columbiachamber.com and the Columbia Visitor’s Bureau.

MilitaryINSTALLATIONS and Plan My Move, are two new helpful features from Military Homefront
to provide you with the tools to successfully plan your next move.

MilitaryINSTALLATIONS provide address, telephone numbers, directions, installation overviews, local weather for programs, services and facilities on more than 250 military installation worldwide.

“Plan My Move” is an automated information system designed to provide relocation information on all military installations. Specific information contained in “Plan My Move” are: education, employment, housing, relocation services, support services, medical and dental.   

Military OneSource is provided by the Department of Defense at no cost to active duty, Guard and Reserve (regardless of activation status) and their families.  It is a virtual extension of installation services.  Visit Military OneSource today at or call 800-342-9647.

Also visit MilitaryHomefront.com for official Military Community and Family Policy (MC&FP) program information, policy and guidance designed to help troops and their families, leaders, and service providers.  Whether you live the military lifestyle or support those who do, you'll find what you need!

Newcomer's Orientation:  The Post Newcomer's Orientation is held the first Wednesday of every month at the Post Conference Room on Jackson Blvd - Bldg 4376, at the corner of Jackson and Gregg (near Post Headquarters).  Starting time is 9:00 a.m. with doors open at 8:30 a.m. The Orientation usually lasts 2 hours. Normally, a representative of the Command Group will open the Orientation with a personal welcome to Soldiers and their spouses, followed by additional information and speakers.  SOLDIERS SHOULD CHECK WITH THEIR UNIT ON THE QUESTION OF MANDATORY ATTENDANCE.  Spouses are encouraged to attend and child care is provided and should be coordinated with the Hood Street Child Development Center.  Prior to making child care reservation, attendance at a mandatory orientation and registration with Child & Youth Services are required.  Additional information may be obtained by calling, 751-4865.  Once all requirements are met, reservation for child care can be made by calling 751-1972.

Lending Closet:  The lending closet provides basic housekeeping items for temporary loan to incoming and outgoing families and in other cases determined appropriate.  Items include pots and pans, dishes, silverware, irons and ironing boards, toasters, coffee-pots, sleeping mats, cribs, high chairs, child car seats and other items.  Initially the items are loaned out for 30 days, if additional time is required due to
 delays in household deliveries; requests for extensions are granted in 2 week increments.  Orders to Fort Jackson and an ID card are required to check items out.  We do not provide furniture, bed linens, pillows or towels.  Click here to view Lending Closet Items.

Relocation Counseling:  Relocation counseling is provided in the Relocation Readiness office to help devise a relocation plan for your PCS move.  Information and resource materials, which include but not limited to, Plan My Move, Relocation Website Booklets, Installation PCS-TDY Guides, Relocation Tri-folds, In-processing checklist are provided to assist you during the relocation process and to answer your questions.  Counseling also includes assessing the Soldier’s individual or Family needs and particular relocation circumstances. Whether the Soldier and/or family member needs to vent or discuss the current situation for stress relief, or whether more extensive discussion is needed on a wide array of topics, from schools, to housing to jobs, extended counseling on these and other topics is available from ACS Relocation Assistance.  Appointments can be made by calling 803-751-1124/5256.

Sponsorship Program:  IAW AR 600-8-8, the Total Army Sponsorship Program shall be executed to the fullest extent possible making it mandatory for Soldiers in the rank of Private (E-1) thru Colonel (O-6) and for civilians in grades GS-15 and below to participate in the Army Sponsorship Program.  Family members who transition without their sponsor (e.g., deployments, extended training, etc.) will also be offered sponsorship.

Requesting a Sponsor:  To benefit from the Fort Jackson Sponsorship Program it is essential that Soldiers formally request sponsorship by completing DA Form 5434 (Sponsorship Program Counseling and Information Sheet) immediately upon receiving notification that they are being assigned to Fort Jackson.  The DA Form 5434 must be filled out completely and emailed to usarmy.jackson.93-sig-bde.mbx.jackson-acs@mail.mil.  The DA Form 5434 is the “trigger” that sets motion all the support mechanisms that the Total Army Sponsorship Program can muster to help relocating personnel. 

Sponsor a Spouse:  Army Community Services Outreach Program will sponsor newcomer spouses.  This sponsorship program answers the spouse’s questions and assist in settling-in at Fort Jackson.  A sponsor can be assigned to assist spouses, if interested.  To request a sponsor, email usarmy.jackson.93-sig-bde.mbx.jackson-acs@mail.mil.

There is a Youth Sponsorship Program on Fort Jackson.  Youth Sponsorship is a way to match up relocating military youth with youth already living in Columbia.  Sponsors will answer their questions, send them information, give them a tour once they arrive, and assist them in making new friends.  No one knows a place better from a military youth's perspective than one already living here.  To request a youth sponsor, email usarmy.jackson.93-sig-bde.mbx.jackson-acs@mail.mil.

In-Processing:  All Soldiers must in-process through ACS on Tuesdays or Thursdays promptly at 0730.  NOTE:  Traffic is very congested on Wednesdays and Thursdays.  Wednesday is Family Day and Thursday is BCT Graduation.  Please plan accordingly.

Reentry Briefs:  are held in conjunction with the Post Newcomer’s Orientation.  This brief addresses the logistical, financial and psychological adjustment that must often be made when returning from an overseas tour.

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Outbound Services
Plan Your Own Move:  Automated Welcome Packet - "Plan My Move"

MilitaryINSTALLATIONS and Plan My Move, are two new helpful features from Military Homefront to provide you with the tools to successfully plan your next move.

MilitaryINSTALLATIONS provide address, telephone numbers, directions, installation overviews, local weather for programs, services and facilities on more than 250 military installation worldwide.

“Plan My Move” is an automated information system designed to provide relocation information on all military installations. Specific information contained in “Plan My Move” are: education, employment, housing, relocation services, support services, medical and dental.   

Military OneSource is provided by the Department of Defense at no cost to active duty, Guard and Reserve (regardless of activation status) and their families.  It is a virtual extension of installation services.  Visit Military OneSource today at or call 800-342-9647.

Also visit MilitaryHomefront.com for official Military Community and Family Policy (MC&FP) program information, policy and guidance designed to help troops and their families, leaders, and service providers.  Whether you live the military lifestyle or support those who do, you'll find what you need!

Levy Brief “Overseas Briefing”:  This briefing is mandatory for soldiers and Family members moving overseas.  Information provided include:  PCS process and procedures, finance entitlements, shipping household goods, port calls, Family travel, legal assistance for claims and shipment of POV and pets.

Relocation Counseling:  Relocation counseling is provided in the Relocation Readiness office to help devise a relocation plan for your PCS move.  Information and resource materials, which include but not limited to, Plan My Move, Relocation Website Booklets, Installation PCS-TDY Guides, Relocation Tri-folds, In-processing checklist are provided to assist you during the relocation process and to answer your questions.  Counseling also includes assessing the Soldier’s individual or Family needs and particular relocation circumstances. Whether the Soldier and/or family member needs to vent or discuss the current situation for stress relief, or whether more extensive discussion is needed on a
wide array of topics, from schools, to housing to jobs, extended counseling on these and other topics is available from ACS Relocation Assistance.  Appointments can be made by calling 803-751-1124/5256.

Relocating with Children - Whether it's their first move or one of many, we can help; various kids traveling items: atlas's, travel games, coloring books, language CD’s/Books, etc. are available.

Lending Closet:  The lending closet provides basic housekeeping items for temporary loan to incoming and outgoing families and in other cases determined appropriate.  Items include pots and pans, dishes, silverware, irons and ironing boards, toasters, coffee-pots, sleeping mats, cribs, high chairs, child car seats and other items.  Initially the items are loaned out for 30 days, if additional time is required due to 
delays in household deliveries; requests for extensions are granted in 2 week increments.  Orders and an ID card are required to check items out.  We do not provide bed linens, pillows or towels.  Click here to view Lending Closet Items.

Foreign Language & Foreign Cultural Information:  The Relocation Readiness Program provides foreign language CD’s for Soldiers and Families to learn the language of the country where they will reside overseas.  Foreign language CD’s are also available for children.  Cultural information is provided at the overseas briefing to those moving overseas.  Cultural information include:  population, language, religion, general attitudes, personal appearance, customs & courtesies, lifestyle, government, education and economy.

Hearts Apart (Formerly “Waiting Families”):  Hearts Apart is a support group and a forum for Families of Soldiers who are deployed, on extended TDY, or on unaccompanied tours.  Information is provided
to update families about what's happening on Fort Jackson and the surrounding community.  The group meets monthly to allow participants to be able to discuss their feelings and share experiences with others during the separation.  Quarterly activities are also offered.  Click Hearts Apart Booklet, to download a booklet.  For information or to sign up contact us at 803-751-1124/5256, on Facebook  or Twitter.

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Multicultural Services

Citizenship Assistance:  The Relocation Readiness Program will assist eligible family members in obtaining and submitting their citizenship application and act as a liaison between the member and the U.S. Citizenship Immigration Service (CIS), when required.  A Citizenship “Immigration 101” workshop, conducted by a CIS representative is offered bi-monthly.  Flash cards are available “free of charge” to assist applicants with the civics test.  Study test is also available.  Call 803-751-1124/5256 or visit www.uscis.gov for more information.  Click here to view Immigration Assistance flyer.

English as a Second Language: Classes are held on-post for foreign-born spouses and anyone needing English language instruction. Referrals for cross-cultural training and cultural mediation services/resources are available.  Click here to view English as a Second Language class flyer.

Foreign Born Spouse Support Group:  The Foreign Born Support Group offers a time of socializing, games, door prizes and refreshments.  Meet spouses of different nationalities or from your own country.  Learn of the many opportunities available throughout the community; go on tours to historic Columbia and Charleston.  The group meets once a month.  For additional Relocation Readiness information call 803-751-5256 (Commercial)/734-5256 (DSN)/ 1-800-337-3445 (Toll Free).

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