What I Wished I Had Known

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What I Wished I Had Known
Some Thoughts to Consider !
Some Points to Ponder !
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Preface -Thoughts From the BRAC Office

• In an effort to provide everyone as much
  information as possible, we we have solicited
  thoughts from the personnel who moved from
  Alexandria to Scott Air Force Base. We referred
  to it as
• What I Wished Id Known
• They have made some invaluable comments and
  provided information that we wanted to pass on to
  you. Please note that the BRAC Office is in the
  process of addressing some of these very items
  and suggestions that have been made. You can
  expect to see responses for many of these issues
  in the related Question and Answers box on BRAC
  Central.

Dont forget theres even more good information
at Know Before You Go Located on the BRAC
Central Website !
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During your House Hunting Trip

• If possible meet with your sponsor, get some of
  your questions answered before you move
  (Doctors, hospital, etc.)
• If you are looking for a place to store a vehicle
  there are places close to the base that offer
  both inside and outside storage.
• If you are buying a house
• Ask about the taxes, each city has different
  property tax rates/rules
• Ask about the Homestead exemption
• Ask about mine subsidence insurance and whether
  or not it is needed or recommended
• Ask if earthquake insurance is necessary
• Ask about Occupancy permits and who is
  responsible for obtaining it and the cost
• Check your cell phone provider as confirm if full
  coverage is available in the local area in and
  around Scott Air Force Base

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Local School

• If you have children that will be attending
  school in the local area, Scott has a School
  Liaison Officer [phone] DSN 576.
• School districts have different start dates,
  registration dates, etc. Mascoutah for instance
  requires proof of residency (Occupancy Permit and
  a utility bill or a letter from Scott housing
  office). The others schools might have the same
  requirements.
• Check with the schools for the physicals, shots
  and transcript requirements.
• Some schools have a day set aside for new
  students for orientation.
• Some schools require families to pay student fees
  on the day of registration. This will depends on
  the courses.
• Remember BRAC Central has a wealth of
  information on local schools and Web-links to
  school districts as well as the actual schools.

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When You Travel

• Do a final vehicle inspection before you get on
  the road. Be sure to check brake lights and
  tires.
• Check to see when your license plates expire.
• Map out your route, have hotels in place to
  include the hotel on this end. Have telephone
  numbers and confirmation number handy.

• Keep important numbers close by i.e. SDDC COC,
  sponsor, hotel supervisor, etc
• Keep important/legal documents with you as you
  travel
• Get your prescriptions filled before you leave
  recommend 90 days. This allows you time to find
  a doctor.
• Check with your health insurance to see who the
  local providers are.
• Do not forget the cell phone charger.

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When You Travel

• Bring your old phone book just in case you need
  to call back you have the numbers available.
  Your internet access may only be from the local
  library.
• Recommend getting a Post Office box- you can
  begin this process once you get your orders.
• Recommend opening a checking account during your
  house hunting trip.

• Inventory your valuable items
• If possible write the number of electronic
  devices.
• Take pictures or video tape important items
  (antiques, high cost items).
• If you can, buy totes for your linen and towels.
  This allows you to unpack and use them the day
  you receive your house hold goods.
• If you can, set a room aside for the items you
  will bring with you.

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Additional Information

• Make sure your orders are correct and that you
  understand your entitlements. (Visit the
  Transition Center)
• Keep a folder with your orders and all your
  receipts.
• Dont be surprised if your House Hold Goods (HHG)
  arrive before you. Several people received calls
  while enroute to SAFB, letting them know their
  HHGs had already arrived.

• Registering your car in Illinois is different.
• Most Division of Motor Vehicles are closed on
  Mondays however, many are open half day on
  Saturday.
• DMV does not accept cash, debit cards, or credit
  cards, only checks and money orders.

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• General Comments

• DFAS reimbursement takes awhile plan to have
  additional money in case you need it.
• It would be VERY useful to have a DFAS
  representative present to review/explain the
  paperwork for filing travel vouchers, home
  buying and move paperwork.
• The badge and security process - talk to your
  Sponsor and get them to assist you in getting the
  proper paperwork together.
• Definitely need to engage the folks in Personal
  Property to discuss the Customer Satisfaction
  Survey. This is the heart of the new Household
  Goods Program.
• Some personnel had problems understanding their
  TQSE (Temporary Quarters Subsistence Expense).
  Suggest stop into Transition Center and get the
  right information before you move.

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General Comments

• Civilian employees may be eligible for post
  housing. Contact the housing office for details.
  [phone]/1844
• If you have 2 cars, ask for your orders to
  authorize a second vehicle. Ask for personal
  assistance on PCS voucher submission.
• State tax change Remember Change your State
  of residence in My Pay from VA to IL
  for state tax purposes.
• Public Transportation benefit for commuters.
  Consider signing up early as soon as you know
  your commuting address --the Metro link subway
  system goes right to the baseask your sponsor to
  help you with this.
• Ask about a building visit for new employees when
  you are out at SAFB doing your House Hunting
  trips. Ask your Sponsor.

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Remember
The Transition Center stands ready to assist you
in your move!
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