For Soldiers and Families upon arrival, the Relocation Readiness Program provides the following:
In-Processing Brief: is held twice weekly, during which ACS services are reviewed, and the Soldier’s current status and condition upon in-processing are discussed. A welcome packet and Newcomers’ Resource Guide is available if you have not yet already received one.
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 Richardson and an ID card are required to check items out. We do not provide bed linens, pillows or towels.
Newcomer’s Orientation: The Post Newcomers’ Orientation is held the 2nd & 4th Wednesdays of every month at the Education Center, on Fourth Street – Bldg 7, (behind Burger King). Starting time is 0900 hrs with doors open at 0830 hrs. The Orientation usually lasts 8 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. Soldiers are encouraged to invite their spouses. Child care is provided at no charge. Reservations must be made at least 48 hours ahead of time, phone: (907) 384-7483. For further information on the Orientation, please call ACS at 384-1515.
Relocation Counseling: Relocation counseling is provided on an individual or group basis to provide information to assist with the stress of moving. Counseling includes assessing the Soldier’s individual or Family needs and particular relocation circumstances. Whether the Soldier and/or family member needs to 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 Readiness. Appointments can be made by calling 384-1515/7485.
Hearts Apart: An outreach group to support and assist Families of Deployed Soldiers. Enjoy a fun-filled, relaxing and informative time to meet with other spouses and Families in similar situations. Family members are provided with local information and services specific to their needs. Family members may register to receive a monthly ACS on-line calendar that will keep them informed of activities, services and programs available to them on post. For further information please call 384-1515.
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. Flash cards are available “free of charge” to help applicants for citizenship learn the questions and answers on the civics test. Study test is also available. Call 384-1515/7485 for more information.
English as a Second Language: resources are also available through the Relocation Readiness program for foreign-born spouses. Referrals for cross-cultural training and cultural mediation services/resources are available.
Welcome Packets: Packets are available on request by telephone, (907) 384-1515/7485 or DSN 317-1515/7485, email, cathy.spence@us.army.mil or regular mail. The packet provides additional information on the Fort Richardson and Anchorage areas, including foldout maps and various publications provided by agencies in the area. (insert re-designed apps for Fort Richardson)
Sponsorship Program: Army Community Service provides training for units and individuals that want to become a sponsor. If you have not been assigned a sponsor, or have not been contacted as of yet, you can request a sponsor.
A sponsor is someone from your new unit who is assigned to assist you with settling into your new location. He/she will be the same or close to your rank and the same marital status, if at all possible. This person will be knowledgeable about the local community and the installation and is available to assist you and your family. Please contact Enlisted Strength Management, 907-384-1967
(click here for on-line sponsorship application 4/25)
4th Brigade Combat Team (Airborne) 25th Infantry Division:
For more information call
(907) 384-1515/7485 (Commercial)
(DSN) 1-317-384-1515/7485.
Classes available:
Newcomers' Orientation (2 x per month)
Hearts Apart (every other month)
Sponsorship (2 x per month)
Citizenship Immigration 101 (quarterly)
Register here
