Your sponsor plays an important part in your PCS to JBER. Sponsors provide information about the base and local area to help you and your family during all stages of your move. They can describe the mission and role you will play at your gaining unit; and assist with anything from housing to in-processing.

Have you heard about our Pre-Arrival Orientation? This virtual workshop is perfect for those soon PCSing to JBER. Ask your sponsor for more information or register at https://tockify.com/jbermfrc/. Unable to attend? Call 907-552-4943 or 907-384-1517 and schedule a one-on-one! 

There is a wealth of information on the JBER Connect app as well.

Contact your gaining unit CSS to be assigned a sponsor. If your PCS is within 30 days and you have not yet been contacted by your sponsor, please reach out to the Military and Family Readiness Center to gain support at commercial: 907-552-4943 or 907-384-1517 (DSN: 317-552-4943 or 317-384-1517).

When you receive orders to JBER:

1. Log into https://actnow.army.mil (CAC required). Within 72 hours of assignment, "Sponsorship" will appear in the left navigation panel; you'll also receive an email and an ACT message. Select "Track" from the left navigation, then click "Messages" to view your assignment notification,
2. Select "Sponsorship," then click DA FORM 5434 and create a new form. Complete it, sign digitally and submit.
If your PCS is within 30 days and you have not been contacted by your sponsor, reach out to the 11th Airborne Division Reception Line at (907) 903-4281, or contact your gaining unit’s staff duty for assistance.

To come to Alaska, you have three options:

1. Fly. Book your ticket to Ted Stevens International Airport (code ANC).

2. Drive. Depending on where you're coming from, there are a number of crossing points into Canada. Interstate 15 north through Montana and into Alberta is a common choice.

3. Combine driving and riding the Alaska Marine Highway System (ferry). In 2025, the ferry is not doing cross-gulf sailings; if you choose to take the ferry, you will need to take it to Haines, Alaska, and drive through Canada's Yukon Territory, then cross back into Alaska and drive down from Tok on the Glenn Highway.

If you choose to drive any portion, having a hard copy of The Milepost is very useful (a hard copy, because long stretches of the Alaska Highway have no cell/data service at all). Their guide to the Alaska Highway is an excellent resource for deciding whether to drive or fly.

Soldiers: If you need lodging, make a reservation on the JBER-Richardson side of post by calling: DSN: 317-384-5660 Phone: 907-384-5660 Additional lodging is available at the JBER-Elmendorf Northstar Inn; visit https://af.dodlodging.net/propertys/JB-Elmendorf-Richardson Phone: 907-552-2454.

Barracks and Housing: E-1 through E-5 Soldiers travelling alone and without dependents will be assigned a barracks room during in-processing. If you are accompanied by your family, you will need to make a lodging reservation using the numbers above. E-6 through E-9, O-1 through O-6, and WO-1 through WO-5 MUST make a lodging reservation using the numbers above.

On-Post Housing: If you need to check availability, contact the JBER Housing Office: DSN: 317-384-3907.

Airmen: If you need lodging, make a reservation on the JBER-E side of post at the JBER-Elmendorf Northstar Inn; visit https://af.dodlodging.net/propertys/JB-Elmendorf-Richardson Phone: 907-552-2454.

Dorms and Housing: E-1 through E-4 Airmen travelling alone and without dependents will be assigned a dorm room during in-processing. If you are accompanied by your family, you will need to make a lodging reservation using the numbers above. E-5 through E-9, O-1 through O-6, and WO-1 through WO-5 MUST make a lodging reservation using the numbers above.

On-Post Housing: If you need to check availability, contact the JBER Housing Office: DSN: 317-384-3907.

If you will be moving with firearms, visit https://www.jber.jb.mil/Info/Base-Access/ and click "Registering Firearms on JBER" for the forms you'll need and where as where to email them before you arrive.

There are five gates to JBER. For gate hours, visit https://www.jber.jb.mil/Info/Base-Access/.
On the Glenn Highway (from Tok and Glenallen), you'll first find the Richardson Gate. This is ideal for Soldiers reporting to JBER-R. The Richardson Visitor Control Center is at the gate, and using this entrance will take you directly to the "Army side" of JBER.

Especially if you're an Airman, you may wish to continue along the Glenn Highway. The Muldoon Gate is near the JBER hospital, and just outside the gate are dining and shopping options. The Exchange is nearby.

If you're initially reporting, the Boniface Gate and Visitor Control Center is a good choice, with a direct route to the main areas of the "Air Force side."

The Government Hill Gate is from Anchorage's downtown. Continue on the Glenn Highway - which becomes the westbound Fifth Avenue - and take a right on A Street. Cross the bridge over Ship Creek and take East Loop Road up to the gate. This road (Arctic Warrior Drive, on JBER) is a main thoroughfare.

Post Road Gate has a Commercial Vehicle Inspection station as well as a POV gate, and is off Reeve Boulevard from the Glenn Highway.

JBER's Child Development Centers

Family Child Care on JBER

School-Age Centers

Instructional Youth Programs

Youth Sports

Youth/Teen Centers

JBER has a dynamic Exceptional Family Member Program.

Regular activities are posted in the Connect Resiliency calendar in the JBER app.

JBER School Liaison Office

Anchorage School District

Matanuska-Susitna Borough School District

School-Age Programs

Aurora Military Housing pet application

JBER Veterinary Treatment Facility

All pets must be registered with the Joint Base Elmendorf Richardson Vet Clinic within 30 days of moving into an Aurora Military Housing unit.

Ensure your dog is not prohibited by JBER -- Pit bulls (American/English/Irish Staffordshire bull terriers), Rottweilers, Doberman Pinschers, Chows, wolf hybrids, and any mix of any of these breeds are not permitted on the installation.

Soldiers: 

Arriving at Anchorage International Airport: When you land and pick up your bags, look for the Atwood Lounge (ASYMCA Military Lounge) inside the airport. From there, you can call Reception Staff Duty at 907-903-4281. The Reception Staff Duty NCO can usually pick you up within an hour, depending on staff availability and weather permitting. Taxis are also an option (costing around $40- $60). If you prefer the taxi service, make sure to save your receipt to request reimbursement later at finance during your in-processing.

Driving to Base: The Reception Staff Duty Office is located in on the bottom floor of Building 55, across from the Education Center, on the corner of Chilkoot Avenue and Fourth Street. Telephone: 1-907-903-4281. When you check in with Reception Staff Duty, please bring two copies of your orders bringing you to Alaska, and your most recent leave form.

Airmen: 

Arriving at Anchorage International Airport: When you land and pick up your bags, if your sponsor has not met you, look for the Atwood Lounge (ASYMCA Military Lounge) inside the airport. From there, contact your sponsor.

Joint Newcomers Orientation
Our Joint Newcomers Program is a two-day orientation which provides a wealth of information to make your JBER assignment a success. Attendance is mandatory for U.S. Air Force and U.S. Army service members, recommended for civilian employees, and strongly encouraged for spouses/families. 
Monday Morning: The Joint Newcomers Orientation begins at 8 a.m. in the Richardson Education Center, 7 Chilkoot Ave., on JBER-Richardson.

Soldiers will then meet at Bldg. 55 for the remainder of their in-processing. The 11th Airborne Reception South provides a comprehensive seven-day in-processing program to ensure a smooth transition for incoming Soldiers. You will complete essential tasks such as finance, attending informational briefs, and processing through the Central Issuing Facility. Our goal is to have you fully prepared to integrate into your unit and contribute to its mission from day one.

Air Force members continue the Newcomers Orientation at the Richardson Education Center at 1 p.m., 7 Chilkoot Ave., on JBER-Richardson. and will complete their finance travel vouchers Tuesday at the People Center, 8517 20th St., Rm. 110, at either 8 a.m. or 1 p.m. Times are assigned Monday afternoon during the Newcomers Orientation. If you have any questions or concerns about your travel voucher, please contact Finance customer service at 673cpts.helpdesk@us.af.mil or call 907-552-9940.  
To register for the next Joint Newcomers Orientation, visit https://tockify.com/jbermfrc.

Please Note: The Joint Newcomers Orientation does not take place on federal holidays, family days/DONSAs, or in the case of base closures due to inclement weather/emergencies.  

If you have any questions about the Joint Newcomers Orientation, please call the Military and Family Readiness Center/Army Community Service at 907-552-4943, DSN: 317-552-4943, or email 673fss.fsfr.familyprograms@us.af.mil

Applies to all military personnel and their dependents assigned to JBER to include Air National Guard and Air Force Reserves.
Please read and review the JBER Instruction 32-6008 on Temporary Lodging Allowances. TLA on an inbound PCS assignment for authorized service members is up to 30 nights. The instruction and applicable forms for TLA can be at the links below.
JBER Instruction 32-6008
TLA Questionnaire
TLA Housing Search Worksheet

For JBER's Aurora Military Housing, visit https://www.auroramilitaryhousing.com/

For more on JBER's housing, see https://www.housing.af.mil/Home-depricated/Units/Joint-Base-Elmendorf-Richardson/

Want to live off the installation? 
Check out listings on https://homes.mil
To see local homes for sale, visit https://www.alaskarealestate.com/
For local rentals, visit https://www.apartmentfinder.com/
General information about housing on Air Force-led installations - including the HEAT program and other regulations - is at https://www.housing.af.mil/

JBER has a dynamic Exceptional Family Member Program.

Regular activities are posted in the Connect Resiliency calendar in the JBER app.

The Barracks and Dorm hubs are a one-stop shop for your unaccompanied housing needs.

Dorm Hub: Schedule in/out processing, request a room for an inbound, submit work orders, and more

Dorm Hub also includes vehicle registration, notice of absence (five days or more), inspection documentation, ADL phone numbers, feedback, social media, and hazard disclosures.

Barracks Hub: Reception check-in, submit work orders, register vehicles, and more

Barracks Hub also includes notice of absence (five days or more), barracks manager phone numbers, feedback, and hazard disclosures.

SATO Travel:  855-732-8454 (JBER-E, Bldg 8517/People Center) or 855-732-8455  (JBER-R, Bldg 600)

11th Airborne/USARAK G8 Travel Management: (For DTS/GTCC for Soldiers and personnel) Building 1, Rm 235 and 236 or visit their page.

Defense Travel System

JBER is home to four Military Personnel Flight/personnel offices, and you can book appointments at any of them using this link.

Generally speaking, Army personnel will be closest to Building 600 (600 Richardson Dr.); Air Force personnel will be closest to the People Center (8517 20th St.) The Air Force Reserve Center and 176th Wing Headquarters also have DEERS/MPF offices.

JBER is home to the JBER Department of Defense/Veterans Affairs Joint Venture Hospital, staffed largely by the 673d Medical Group.

https://elmendorfrichardson.tricare.mil/ is the main website for the medical facilities, and they also update their Facebook page with updates.

The Soldier-Centered Medical Home is on JBER-R and provides many services to Soldiers.

For JBER-E, visit Building 8517, Rm 247, open 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday, call 907-552-1793/1797/1798/5242, or email edftravel@us.af.mil.

For JBER-R, visit Building 600, Rm 145B, open 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday, call 907-384-1813/1814/1831/1763, or email edftravel@us.af.mil.

Watch "Improve the Move: A conversation on traditional and third-party moves" here.

Changes and new policies   
* The Department of Defense expects to experience industry Transportation Service Provider issues during peak season; flexibility is key. More information here.

* Shipment of lithium-ion batteries larger than 100 watt-hours is prohibited. Lithium-ion batteries are found in cell phones, power tools, digital cameras, laptops, robot vacuums, small and large appliances, tablets, lawn-care equipment, and e-bikes. They are rechargeable and intended for multiple use. Some are internal and not easily removable, while others may be. Check manufacturer's instructions for battery removal.  More information here. For additional information, like determining watt-hours, click here.

Shipping vehicles:
Use PCSmyPOV.com.
Vehicles are picked up directly at the Anchorage VPC at 300 LaTouche Street, Anchorage, open 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. Email Anchorage.VPC@ialpov.us or call (907) 277-1020. Estimated shipping time is 90 days for OCONUS moves and 30 days for CONUS moves. Documents required: the inspection form and the vehicle title or letter of approval from the lienholder.

Personally procured/Do it yourself moves:
Did you mail or move any items yourself? If so, bring PCS orders, DD form 2278, and mail receipts with printed weights, or empty and full weight tickets to your travel center, or email signed documents to edftravel@us.af.mil.
If you are planning to move items yourself, use the scale at the Anchorage Landfill (15500 E. Eagle River Loop Road in Eagle River). Call ahead at (907)343-6250.

Commercial moves:
Contact your Transportation Service Provider directly for updated contact and delivery information.
Contact Quality Assurance if you have problems or need assistance during your delivery; QA.JPPSO@us.af.mil or call (907) 229-7022/4482 or (907) 552-4002.

Claims:
You can file a claim if you notice any damages to your property, either at the time of delivery or after the carrier has left.
The Notice of Loss and Damage Form must filed in DPS or with your transportation service provider no later than 180 days after your household goods are delivered. Your actual claim must be filed within nine months after delivery to receive full replacement value.
Visit militaryonesource.mil for additional guidance and step-by-step instructions to file and process your claim.

Soldiers can visit https://www.jagcnet.army.mil/PCLAIMS for three informational HHG claims videos. Soldiers disputing any or all of the moving company’s claim settlement offer or denial must transfer the claim to the U.S. Army Center for Personnel Claims Support at: usarmy.knox.hqda-otjag.mbx.cpcs@mail.mil, phone 502-626-3000 (DSN 464).

The Loan Locker is here to make your PCS in or out of JBER easier! We have kitchen essentials that can be borrowed for 30 days (or more) while your household goods are in transit. Items include dishes, pots, pans, cookware, microwaves, and more. All ranks of active-duty members, accompanying family members, and Department of Defense personnel assigned to JBER are eligible to use the Loan Locker.  For those who are PCSing to JBER, we also have happy lights available to borrow for 60 days.

The Loan Locker is located in the Military and Family Readiness Center/Army Community Service in Room A139 of Building 600 Richardson Drive, on JBER-R. Hours are Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to noon and from 1 to 3 p.m. We are closed for federal holidays, PACAF family days, and for training the third Thursday of each month.

If you have any questions, please call us at 907-384-1517 or 907-552-4943.

For JBER-E, visit Building 8517, Rm 247, open 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday, call 907-552-1793/1797/1798/5242, or email edftravel@us.af.mil.

For JBER-R, visit Building 600, Rm 145B, open 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday, call 907-384-1813/1814/1831/1763, or email edftravel@us.af.mil.

Watch "Improve the Move: A conversation on traditional and third-party moves" here.

Basic Household Goods and Moving Information one-sheet

Changes and new policies   
* The Department of Defense expects to experience industry Transportation Service Provider issues, due to labor shortages, port congestion, and supply-chain disruptions. High demand and low availability may result in service failures. Service members may not receive dates originally requested; flexibility is key.  More information here.

* Shipment of lithium-ion batteries larger than 100 watt-hours is prohibited. Lithium-ion batteries are found in cell phones, power tools, digital cameras, laptops, robot vacuums, small and large appliances, tablets, lawn-care equipment, and e-bikes. They are rechargeable and intended for multiple use. Some are internal and not easily removable, while others may be. Check manufacturer's instructions for battery removal.  More information here. For additional information, like determining watt-hours, click here.

Personally procured/Do it yourself moves:
Did you mail or move any items yourself? If so, bring PCS orders, DD form 2278, and mail receipts with printed weights, or empty and full weight tickets to your travel center, or email signed documents to edftravel@us.af.mil.
If you are planning to move items yourself, use the scale at the Anchorage Landfill (15500 E. Eagle River Loop Road in Eagle River). Call ahead at (907)343-6250.

Commercial moves:
Contact your Transportation Service Provider directly for updated contact and delivery information.
Contact Quality Assurance if you have problems or need assistance during your delivery; QA.JPPSO@us.af.mil or call (907) 229-7022/4482 or (907) 552-4002.

Claims:
You can file a claim if you notice any damages to your property, either at the time of delivery or after the carrier has left.
The Notice of Loss and Damage Form must filed in DPS or with your transportation service provider no later than 180 days after your household goods are delivered. Your actual claim must be filed within nine months after delivery to receive full replacement value.
Visit militaryonesource.mil for additional guidance and step-by-step instructions to file and process your claim.

Soldiers can visit https://www.jagcnet.army.mil/PCLAIMS for three informational HHG claims videos. Soldiers disputing any or all of the moving company’s claim settlement offer or denial must transfer the claim to the U.S. Army Center for Personnel Claims Support at:
usarmy.knox.hqda-otjag.mbx.cpcs@mail.mil, phone 502-626-3000 (DSN 464).

Shipping vehicles:
Use PCSmyPOV.com.
Vehicles are picked up directly at the Anchorage VPC at 300 LaTouche Street, Anchorage, open 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. Email Anchorage.VPC@ialpov.us or call (907) 277-1020. Estimated shipping time is 90 days for OCONUS moves and 30 days for CONUS moves. Documents required: the inspection form and the vehicle title or letter of approval from the lienholder.

Need to take the ferry? Visit the Alaska Marine Highway System's website.