Making The Most Of a New Duty Station

Reporting to a new duty station can be a bit intimidating. After all, you probably don't know many people, if any; you aren't familiar with the area; you're starting a new chapter of life. Making the most of a new duty station is important because it can make your time there more enjoyable.

Here are 6 things that you can do to get to know your new duty station and location: 

1. Get to know your installation: Go to https://installations.militaryonesource.mil and search your installation. Here, you will find everything you need to know about the base from military and family support programs to base essentials. You can access a map for the location which shows you directions on and off post. Take a day and drive around base and the town. Check out local restaurants, shopping, grocery stores, etc. and get a feel for the area!

2. Make friends: Introduce yourselves to your neighbors and coworkers. You never know what you may have in common with people! For off-post fun, check out https://www.militaryonesource.mil/recreation-travel-shopping/recreation/tickets-tours/information-tickets-and-travel-your-key-to-fun/. This gives you the scoop on sporting events, museums, theme parks, aquariums, zoos, historical sites and other attractions around you. 

3. Pay attention to "off limits" lists: On your installation, you might see lists of places that are declared "off limits" by the base commander. These places are usually known trouble areas in neighborhoods, nightclubs, lemon car lots, etc.

4. Find Military Discounts on and off post: One perk of base is having a commissary, or grocery store, and exchanges, or department stores. Both give you tax-free shopping and discounted goods and services. You can shop online or in person. Additionally, your ID card gets you discounts to events, destinations, restaurants, and more! You can snag discounted tickets to tons of local activities such as sports events, concerts, movies, vacation packages and museums!

5. Enjoy when family and friends visit: Encourage your family and friends to plan a trip to visit you! While there is a ton to do off post, some installation recreation facilities (bowling alleys, movies, etc.)  are open to civilian guests if they are with a service member.

6. Check out Military Family Readiness Centers: The people that work at these centers help connect the dots on your new installation. They can help with things such as planning your PCS, understanding BAH, finding places to socialize and connect in your new community, prepping for a deployment, financial help and more! While they may have differing names from base to base, they all offer helpful resources for all military life issues.