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I have never heard of a PCS Class! Perhaps that's another boat I've missed, or the bases I've been at just didn't have them....
The Army has had them over the years, but they weren't called "PCS Class", they had various orientation classes, new in country, weapons qualif, race relations, in-briefs, out-briefs, retirement etc. Individual sponsors could be good (or bad).
My wife must have taken the welcome to Germany orientation class a few times, go out in town and shop and eat...
I think the Air Force calls them Smooth Move (yes I know how ridiculous that sounds - just try not to think of laxatives when you sign up for it) for the ones prior to the move.
I kind of remember one in Iceland but all I remember from it is them explaining how the traffic lights were different.
Lisdol- yes, we have smooth move briefings. I just had one! It's done online now. It's about 10 powerpoint slides. It's only about the physical moving stuff... you can't pack propane, you can't pack a loaded gun, you can't pack lighter-fluid, you can't pack live animals, you can't pack illegal drugs, ect. It has nothing on there whatsoever about spouses, moving schools for kids, ect....
I wasn't trying to claim they were CALLED "PCS classes" - I'm sure the Navy had clever names as well. I think it used the word "transition"... it's been a couple/three years since we got out. But every base should have SOMETHING for new families and those who are leaving. I believe the FFSC (Fleet and Family Services Center) on Navy bases handles their classes... I'm sure the other three branches have their own facility of this type.
We never had a sponsor actually contact us from any of our duty stations. One ombudsman did though - but then she got cancer and they replaced her with an active duty spouse of a chief so nothing ever got done again. The wives who ran the Family Support Groups at our duty stations were all more interested in having catered meetings than actually helping any of the families. I tried to get involved when we were stationed in Mayport, but I just couldn't bring myself to attend an FSG meeting that started at 10pm and was held at a nightclub while our husbands were on a 6 month deployment.
Kel- I don't know, but I don't see why not, if you can file in the state you left. I'm a little confused on that though, some say you file in the new state, some say the old state. I'd ask the local unemployment office and see if they can provide guidance....
Lisdol- yes, we have smooth move briefings. I just had one! It's done online now. It's about 10 powerpoint slides. It's only about the physical moving stuff... you can't pack propane, you can't pack a loaded gun, you can't pack lighter-fluid, you can't pack live animals, you can't pack illegal drugs, ect. It has nothing on there whatsoever about spouses, moving schools for kids, ect....
Ahh OK I have never done one. Glad to know I can skip that. LOL.
I was thinking of looking into the one for kids though. I have 3 school-aged kids for this PCS and they are a little nervous.
dmarie-
Each and every time I filed it was with the losing State as that was where I had been employed. As soon as someone gets the news that they will be PCSing they should contact their HR to get the pertinent facts concerning filing. No, they will NOT be happy- but it is the Law.
If your HR is reluctant to help (or denies benefits for this type of move) contact the State Labor Board (Dept. of Labor, or whatever it is called in that State).
It used to be a pain to file by mail but now that everything is by phone or online things are soooo much easier!
Ahh OK I have never done one. Glad to know I can skip that. LOL.
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