Your PCS Guide to Alaska, The Last Frontier

Alaska is often known as the last frontier, and it gets its name honestly. Another title it has earned is dream duty station. While its rugged beauty and vast adventure opportunities lead to unforgettable experiences, there are also unique processes you must follow before you PCS to this state, which is considered an OCONUS (overseas or non-continental U.S.) assignment. 

Before you start planning your move, you need to determine which installation in Alaska you will be assigned to. As they are spread throughout the state, your planning will very much depend on which area of the state you will reside in. 

• Eielson AFB 
• Elmendorf AFB 
• Fort Greely 
• Fort Richardson 
• Fort Wainwright 
• Air Station Sitka 
• Kodiak Base 
• USCG Juneau 

OCONUS Levy Briefing 

As you are beginning your planning, and receiving your orders, the active duty member will be assigned to attend a scheduled levy briefing. This briefing is for all service members that are PCSing overseas, and there may be a room full of others in attendance. While many attend this alone, it is highly suggested that the spouse also be in attendance. OCONUS briefs are designed to detail everything you will need to know in planning, and accomplishing your PCS. For more information on saving a seat for you and your family, contact your local Family Readiness Division. Your levy packet normally has a deadline, which you will need to know and have it submitted by.

Command Sponsorship 

Command sponsorship is essentially the permission of the military to move to the overseas duty station. EVERY member of the family must be command sponsored to travel with the service member. If any member of the family is not command sponsored, their travel will not be reimbursed, and they will not be included on the orders. If the orders state “deferred travel” for dependents, then the service member must travel to the duty station alone, and complete the command sponsorship on arrival. Otherwise, the service member should apply through their losing command. 

EFMP Screening 

The exceptional family member program is utilized to screen for, recognize, and support family members that may require extra medical or other assistance. There are two categories that fall under EFMP, special medical needs and special education needs. All families must complete EFMP screening for overseas location assignments, including Alaska. This ensures that any special needs found can be provided for, including housing and medical care. DD forms and service-specific requirements vary by branch, but the requirements should be specified prior to your EFMP screening appointment at the military medical treatment facility. Your completed DA form 5888 must be dated within 1 year of projected arrival at the gaining duty station. 

Transportation 

• Ferry: This option will take you from Bellingham, WA to multiple ports in Alaska on the Alaska Marine Highway System. In most cases, you have the option to have your installation travel (SATO) office book your passage, or you can book up front and be reimbursed upon sign in at your gaining station. Make sure to discuss these options in your travel brief, or contact your local travel office. For more information on the AMHS, see their website at: www.dot.state.ak.us/amhs. 
• POV: Driving to Alaska is a unique opportunity, but also comes with a need for proper planning. Those who drive utilize the Alcan highway, a road system that winds through Canada, and can often harbor harsh conditions along the route.
• Traveling through Canada requires a passport, and you have the opportunity to apply for a military-issued one at your military personnel office. Canada does not allow those with DUIs/DWIs, felonies, and some misdemeanors to enter their country via POV, so if that is applicable to your family, it is essential to plan another mode of transport. If you choose to travel the Alcan highway, make sure to plan ahead for weather, emergencies, and pick up a copy of The Milepost for mile-by-mile information for your trip. 
• Air: Flying is a great option for your PCS to Alaska, and is the quickest, in most cases. Your ticket can be arranged through your installation travel office (SATO), or often arranged and paid for by you, with reimbursement upon sign in. 

Pets 

It is the responsibility of the service member to book and provide transportation for their own pet(s). This includes assuring the proper veterinary care and completion of any needed documentation leading up to the PCS. Alaska does not require a pet quarantine, but the airlines will require shots to be up to date as well as a health certificate to fly. Temperature regulations can weigh heavily on plans to fly animals into, or out of, the state and must be between 20 and 85 degrees F. In many instances, the airline will allow booking pets as “baggage” when traveling on orders. Contact your chosen air carrier for specifications. If choosing an AMC flight, you will have a 14 day travel window, and must have a DD 2208 (rabies vaccination certificate) and DD 2209 (pet health certificate) within 10 days of travel. For pet-friendly accommodations during a drive, and more helpful information, check out Petswelcome.com and request our pet guide from our PCS mentors. 

COLA 

COLA is a non-taxable cost of living allowance that is only provided at some duty locations. It is designed to offset the higher prices of goods and services in the locales. This allotment will not begin until the service member checks in from travel and leave. You can look up your COLA rate at travel.dod.mil.

Unaccompanied Baggage 

This is a shipment that will be packed separately from your bulk HHG, and sent “express air” to your OCONUS assignment. Unaccompanied baggage is only a small portion of your HHG that includes items you may need as soon as possible, but are not essential enough to require carrying in your suitcase. Items you may want to include are those required for a job, tools and equipment to ready a home, or larger items (high chair) for your children. Remember to take in consideration that most installations offer a lending closet that has furniture and housing essentials that you may borrow until your HHG shipment arrives. Check your local transportation office and your orders for your specific allowances. Make sure to ask one of our PCS mentors for our unaccompanied baggage guide to assist with packing! 

PPM vs. Military-contracted Moves 

Alaska is also a unique OCONUS assignment in the fact that you can drive to it. Should you choose to drive, or source your own move, you can select a partial or full personally procured move. This allows for you to pack, and travel with, your own belongings, while also obtaining military reimbursement for expenses. To begin setting up your move, login to dps.move.mil. To download our Partial DITY Guide, see here: https://mhnguides.net/ultimatepartialditychecklist

Temporary Lodging Allowance 

The Housing Services Offices (HSO) will be the designating officials to authorize your TLA, and the service member should meet with them immediately upon in-processing. TLA covers the cost of temporary lodging and meal expenses for up to 60 days while awaiting housing at an OCONUS duty station. 10 additional days will be authorized when leaving your OCONUS assignment. You cannot stack your CONUS TLE in front of your TLA, so be sure to plan accordingly. Check your allowances and rates through travel.dod.mil.

Housing 

When moving to Alaska, you have the choice of selecting on-base or off-base housing at most locations. You will first reach out to your assigned installation’s housing office to find out their specific requirements, timelines, and processes. Housing options, cost, and utility fees vary by location. Some may require residents to pay utilities by metering. Your BAH will, in most instances, be paid directly to the assigned housing company. 

Off-base housing allows for the military family to select exactly where they want to live. You may choose to rent or buy, but will receive your full BAH with your regular pay. If you are interested in buying, please download a copy of our homebuyer’s checklist here: https://mhnguides.net/7-steps-for-first-time-home-buyers, and make sure to reach out to one of our PCS mentors for more resources and a connection with a vetted military Realtor. 

Taxes 

Another unique feature of Alaska is the lack of sales and income taxes. This will carry forward, if you choose to become a permanent resident. Another advantage of becoming a permanent Alaska resident is the potential to receive the annual state dividend, after living there for one full year. 

Driver’s License 

If you are the active duty member, and assigned to an installation in Alaska, you may keep your driver’s license from your state of residence. The military spouse, or dependent must obtain an Alaska driver’s license and surrender their previous license. 

Winter Driving 

Driving in Alaska in the winter can be a challenging experience, but is much easier when you are prepared. Generally, Alaska treats their road systems with sand and small gravel, rather than salt. This better maintains the road itself, but leads to different driving conditions than many are accustomed to. You may, often, encounter ice, and should learn how to control your vehicle in both offensive and defensive driving mechanisms. When a large amount of snow is present, you will often find one lane plowed in either direction, and must be ready for narrowed fields of sight, and less room to account for driving error. Check with your insurance ahead of your PCS to inquire about windshield coverage for cracks and chips from gravel. Consider keeping a snow shovel, tow rope, kitty litter/sand, jumper cables, and snow brush in your car throughout the winter months. 

BOSS Program for Unaccompanied Soldiers 

If you are going to Alaska unaccompanied, be sure to check out the BOSS programs at each installation. These programs are specifically designed to get unaccompanied service members out of the barracks and involved in extracurricular activities. Alaska has some extraordinarily unique offerings in snowboarding, deep sea or river combat fishing, glacier trekking and climbing, and dog sledding. Each base will have their own program director, as well as activities schedule, and contact details should be listed in your welcome packet. 

Unique Experiences 

Alaska has something to offer everyone; from the lover of the arts to the avid outdoor enthusiast. The following suggestions are a great place to start planning your great adventure in the 49th state! 

 Anchorage 

• Alaska Center for the Performing Arts: great for those who love Broadway and art. https://alaskapac.org/ 
• Take the Ulu Factory tour and pick up a gift or two for the family: https://theulufactory.com/ 
• Visit the Sunday market downtown for local wares and treats. https://anchoragedowntown.org/anc-market-social/
• Explore the roots of the Alaskan culture, right outside the JBER gates. https://www.alaskanative.net/
• Hop on a trolley car for a historical tour of the city. https://anchoragetrolley.com/
• Plan a trip on the Alaskan Railway in a glass top car. Enjoy bucket list views and amazing expeditions throughout the state. https://www.alaskarailroad.com/
• Watch the ceremonial start of the Iditarod, and enjoy the Fur Rondy Festival around it

Turnagain Arm

• Visit Girdwood: This picturesque ski town is home to Alyeska, a world-class ski resort with the famous Seven Glaciers tram and mountaintop Chalet restaurant
• Make sure to pull off at some of the scenic viewpoints to watch to train pass, the whales swim by, or just enjoy the scenery.
• Spend a day with the wildlife at the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center (THIS IS A NOT TO MISS EXCURSION) https://alaskawildlife.org/
• Find a local camping spot or do some fishing along the way- watch out for the mudflats, they can be fun but deceivingly dangerous!

ANC Market Social

Portage Valley and Whittier Tunnel

• Explore the Trail of Blue Ice on foot or by bicycle
• Paddle the Gold Rush Route on Portage Lake
• Explore Moose Flats wetland and boardwalk for animal viewing
• Camp at Williwaw campground
• Take a hike to Byron glacier and ice field
• Visit the Begich, Boggs Visitor Center
• Drive through the longest tunnel in North America (2.5 miles long) at the Whittier Tunel: Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel

Seward

• Visit the Alaska Sealife Center https://www.alaskasealife.org/
• Spend a weekend at the Seward Military Resort. http://www.sewardresort.com/
• Take a hike up to Exit Glacier, and if you are really feeling adventurous, add on a trek through the Harding Ice Fields
• Book a cruise to see whales, glaciers, and an island within the Kenai Fjords National Park or Resurrection Bay
• Meet some sled dogs, and take a ride at Seavey’s Ididaride. https://ididaride.com/

Homer 

• Camp for a night, or a weekend, on the Homer Spit 
• Hop on the Seldovia Bay Ferry 
• Stop by the Alaska Islands and Oceans Visitor Center 
• Enjoy a wine tasting and lunch at Bear Creek Winery 
• Visit the Kilcher Homestead Living Museum
• View some bears at Hallow Bay Lodge 
• Spend some time on a boat casting lines to catch salmon and halibut

Matanuska Susitna Valley 

• Take an ATV tour to Knik Glacier 
• Visit a reindeer farm https://www.reindeerfarm.com/ 
• Watch the Aurora Borealis “Northern Lights” at Hatcher’s Pass
• Pan for gold at the Independence Mine State Park 
• Go glacier climbing, and explore ice caves at Matanuska Glacier
• Visit the Alaska State Fair 
• Jump on a Jet Boat adventure https://mahaysriverboat.com/ 
• Explore a base camp town the had a mayor for a cat. https://www.alaskavisit.com/about-mat-su/explore-by-region/denali-country/talkeetna/
• Sign up for a charter flight with a landing on Mount McKinley/ Denali, the tallest peak in North America 
• Hike Denali National Park, and for the avid climbers, take a climb

 Fairbanks 

• Visit North Pole 
• Immerse yourself in history at one of the local museums 
• Rent a snow machine (known as a snow mobile in the lower 48) and enjoy some snow fun 
• Mush your way to fun on a dog sled adventure 
• Relax at Chena Hot Springs Resort (don’t miss the ice caves)
• Ice fish in a heated cabin 

Juneau 

• Whale watch on your way to Mendenhall Glacier 
• Visit the Capitol Building 
• Take a helicopter tour with ice field landing and guided trek 
• Feast on a delicious clam bake 
• Hop on a Segway for for a coastal rainforest tour 

Nome 

• Place yourself at the finish line during the Iditarod race 
• Visit the Bering Land Bridge National Preserve 
• See the White Alice Site, with Cold War remnants 
• Cross country ski your way through town 
• Partake in the Snow Machine Races 
• Explore the Swanberg Dredge, once a prosperous gold dredging site

Ashley Williams is a military spouse, and a mom of three. Her educational background is rooted mainly in healthcare, but has recently expanded into the world of real estate . Ashley has been a team member with the MilHousing Network since 2018, when she started as one of our PCS mentors. You can now find Ashley serving as our Director of Agent Services.