The following services are provided by the ACS Relocation Readiness Program:

Inbound Outbound Multicultural Services

Inbound Services
Welcome Packets: Click here to receive an electronic welcome packet. To learn more about surrounding
communities visit www.columbiachamber.com and the Columbia Visitors Bureau.

Plan Your Own 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!
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. A childcare voucher will be provided upon completion of orientation..
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 may be 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 Soldiers 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 fortjackson.dhrsponsorship@us.army.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 spouses 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 Jackson.dfmwr.cyscer@us.army.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 Newcomers 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 Soldiers 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 CDs/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 may be 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
CDs for Soldiers and Families to learn the language of the country where they will reside overseas. Foreign language
CDs 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).