Pre-Arrival and Sponsorship

    First, download our JBER Connect app!

    Have you heard about our Pre-Arrival Orientation? This virtual workshop is perfect for those 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 (DSN 317-552-4943/317-384-1517) and schedule a one-on-one! 

    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

    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).

    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

    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.

    The Youth Sponsorship Program helps transitioning youth feel connected to the military community before they PCS to their new home. Incoming youth, ages 5-18, are paired with youth sponsors at JBER who can answer questions in advance about the installation, schools, and the overall community which can help them feel connected before they move. For more information or to request a sponsor for your child contact the following:

    For youth ages 5 to 12, contact School Age Care at 907-384-1068/907-552-5091.

    For youth ages 9 to 18, contact the Youth Center 907-384-1508/907-552-2266.

    To come to Alaska, you have three options:

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

    1. 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.

    1. 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. Our virtual Pre-Arrival Orientation workshop can also help you make this decision. 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! 

    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, or E-6 through E-9, an officer or a warrant officer, make a lodging reservation by visiting https://af.dodlodging.net/propertys/JB-Elmendorf-Richardson Phone: 907-552-2454.

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

    Dorms and Housing: E-1 through E-3 Airmen, and E-4 with less than three years of service, traveling 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. All others should make a reservation by visiting https://af.dodlodging.net/propertys/JB-Elmendorf-Richardson Phone: 907-552-2454.

    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.

    If you are driving, you will pass through Canada, which vigorously enforces its firearms importation laws even for those passing through. Border officials may search vehicles for undeclared firearms and seize any firearm and the vehicle in which they are found. Possession of an undeclared firearm may result in arrest or imprisonment. Visit the RCMP firearms site as well as their import/export laws to see if your firearm is permissible for transport and to download forms you can download, fill out, and be ready to present at the border, when you declare it. Phone 1-800-731-4000 with questions.

    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.

    There is no central registration office for childcare on JBER. Childcare for children 6 weeks to 12 years must be requested through https://militarychildcare.com/

    For more information on available services, click below.

    JBER's Child Development Centers

    Family Child Care on JBER

    School-Age Centers

    Instructional Youth Programs

    Youth Sports

    Youth/Teen Centers

    The JBER School Liaison Office helps military families navigate school transitions and support students during moves between schools.

    Anchorage School District

    Matanuska-Susitna Borough School District

     

    When bringing your furry friend to JBER, be sure to contact lodging ahead of time to book a pet-friendly room while you are in transition.

    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 pet 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 per the Department of Defense. Exotic pets such as monkeys, snakes, etc. are also not permitted.

    JBER's VTF


    Kennel recommendations and contact information are available upon request from lodging staff for those who must stay off base.

    If your pet needs medical attention, or routine shots, visit the JBER vet clinic or call them at (907) 384-2865.

    DIRECTIONS: Enter the Richardson Gate and turn right at the first stoplight onto 6th Street. Go down until you come to a T-intersection, then turn left onto Davis Highway. We are on the left side by the brown dumpster and the Military Working Dog kennels. If you pass 5th Street, you have gone too far. Please call if you get lost.

    REGISTERING: Your pets must be registered before we can schedule you an appointment. To register, you can either come in to our facility, read and sign our policy letter, and fill out our registration form; or find our policy letter and registration form on our Facebook page in the photos folder. These forms can be printed, filled out, and either scanned and emailed to us at jbervtf@gmail.com or faxed to us at 907-384-2860 along with your pets' medical history.
    If you choose to visit us in person, please bring any medical history you have on your pets at this time (ex: vaccinations, medical conditions, etc.).
    You DO NOT need to bring your pet(s) in to register.

    SERVICES: We offer annual exams, vaccinations, microchips, health certificates and sick call examinations with diagnostic and therapeutic procedures for infectious diseases.
    Surgery and dental capabilities are limited, so we recommend that you take your pet off-post for emergency care.

    Canine Services
    Canine Adult Annual Exam: $37.00
    Puppy Visit: $37.00

    Feline Services
    Feline Adult Annual Exam: $37.00
    Kitten Visit: $37.00

    Additional Services
    Health Certificates $37.00
    Sick Call $37.00
    Re-Check Exams $17.00
    Microchip $25.00
    Health Worm Test $10.00
    Fecal Flotation $15.00
    **Please note these are price estimates only, prices many vary depending on the needs of your pet**

    HEALTH CERTIFICATES: If you are PCS/ETSing or traveling with your pet, please let us know as soon as possible so that we can ensure your travels are as smooth as possible.
    Some locations require six months or more lead time to mitigate/decrease terminal location quarantine (at owner’s expense).
    We have USDA-accredited veterinarians that can sign your pet’s required documents, making your move easier and less expensive.
    We can answer questions about your specific PCS location and provide helpful references and resource material.
    To help us facilitate your travels, please bring all original documentation, including rabies certificates, proof of vaccination and microchip, to your appointment.

    The Military and Family Readiness Center/Army Community Service offers hands-on assistance with everything from resume writing and preparing for interviews to resources on local job searches and licenses. Contact us at 907-552-4943/907-384-1517 for more information.

    Check out our employment workshops https://tockify.com/jbermfrc .

    Each branch of service also provides spouse re-licensure and business costs reimbursements up to $1000 for each PCS/PCA move.

     

    Upon Arrival

    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.

     JBER Joint Newcomers Orientation

    Our Joint Newcomers Program is a weekly two-day orientation which provides a wealth of information to help with your transition to JBER. Attendance is mandatory for Department of Air Force and Army members, recommended for civilian employees, and strongly encouraged for spouses/families. 

    Monday Morning: The Joint Newcomers Orientation begins at 8am in the Richardson Education and Library Community Center, 7 Chilkoot Ave., on JBER-Richardson.

    Monday Afternoon: Department of Air Force members continue the Newcomers Orientation at 1pm at the Richardson Education and Library Community Center. Soldiers meet at Bldg. 55 on JBER-Richardson for the remainder of in-processing.
    Register here for the next Joint Newcomers Orientation.

    Tuesday: All incoming Department of the Air Force members must submit their Finance/PCS Travel Voucher within five duty days of arrival at JBER. Finance/PCS Travel Vouchers are completed on Tuesdays as individualized appointments with the JBER CPTS team at The People Center, 8517 20th St., Rm.110, JBER-Elmendorf.

    To register for a session to file your Finance/PCS Travel Voucher, determine which category applies to you and then select the link. If the applicable session is full, please select the next available session. 

    • If you are claiming dependents (spouse, child, military-to-military; even if dependents did not travel with you), select this link.
    • If you are not claiming dependents (dorm Airman, single Airman living off base), select this link.

    If you have any questions about the Joint Newcomers Orientation or need help registering for a Finance/PCS Travel Voucher session, please call the Military & Family Readiness Center/Army Community Service at 907-552-4943/DSN: 317-552-4943, 907-384-1517/DSN: 317 384-1517 or email.

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

     

    All military personnel and their dependents assigned to JBER including Air National Guard and Air Force Reservists, must in-process at the Military Housing Office within two duty days of arrival. 

    Army members must sign into Reception South in Bldg 55 for Temporary Lodging Allowance to be authorized.
    Please read and review the JBER Instruction 32-6008 on Temporary Lodging Allowance. Eligible Service members are authorized up to 45 nights of TLA upon arrival, and claims must be filed at the Military Housing Office after every 15 nights. 

    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/

    JBER has two Military Housing Offices: one at 346 Arctic Warrior Dr., JBER-E, and one in Building 600 Richardson Dr., Room 106 on JBER-R. They provide on- and off-JBER housing resources, including the Rental Partnership Program, long-term storage, and loaner furniture. Phone: 907-552-4439 Email: 673ces.ceh@us.af.mil 

    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.

     

    Contact Information

    Army Barracks Manager 673CES.CEIHD.BM@us.af.mil                     

    Air Force Dorm Manager  673CES.CEIHD.JBER-EDormManagers@us.af.mil

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

    11th Airborne Division Travel Management (DTS/GTCC) In-processing for Soldiers and civilians: Headquarters and Headquarters Battalion: Bldg 54, RM 206; 17th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion: Bldg 793; 2/11 IBCT (ABN): Bldg 771, 2nd Floor S8; see the G8 page.

    11th Airborne Division PCS Travel Vouchers: Visit the Finance Office in Building 600.

    Defense Travel System

    GTCC/DTS slide

    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.

    To enroll/update your Tricare, go to MilConnect and select the “Manage Health Benefits” button.  

    Loan Locker: 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. We also have happy lights available to borrow for 90 days. You can pre-order items; click here for their site.

    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.

    Furnishings Management Services: The Furnishings Management Services on JBER provides 90-day loaner furnishings pending arrival of the member’s personal household goods. The loaner furnishings include such items as beds, dining tables with chairs, and couches but do not include bed linens, pots and pans or curtains.

    Services include appliances for off-base military personnel, and long-term furnishing for grades E-1 through E-5 authorized to live off base. The FMO offers delivery and pick-up for the 90-day loaner furniture and appliances.
    Issue of long-term furnishing for E-1 through E-5 is subject to availability. Items may be retained for the duration of the member's tour.

    Self pick-up and delivery may be scheduled through the FMO office at 724 Quartermaster Drive; call (907) 384-1809 or 552-2740.

    After Arrival

    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.


    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.

    Whether you live in the Municipality of Anchorage or the Matanuska-Susitna Borough, find out how to register to vote locally or by mail in federal, state, and local elections on our Voting page.

    Leaving JBER

    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.

    Download your outprocessing checklist and see our extensive Army Outprocessing page.