Lessons learned from the Advance Team

The Advance Team is up and running at Redstone Arsenal and members are excited to be in town! Here is a story on their arrival, and here is a testimonial video from the members.

Although most members have nothing but good things to say about their transition, there were bumps along the road.  To help keep you from running into the same problems, here are some of the lessons learned from the Advance Team:

• Travel vouchers - DFAS is backed up and vouchers are taking an extended period of time to process. It is imperative that you CORRECTLY fill out your travel vouchers and file them as soon as possible.  Vouchers that have mistakes will be returned to you and then go to the bottom of DFAS’ pile when you send them back. Travel vouchers for TQSE (F) can be filed  once you receive your orders. The Filing Your Travel Vouchers section on the BRAC Website has complete filing instructions, samples of completed documents and all the forms you will need.
• Government Travel Charge Card – Your GTCC will be suspended if you do not pay it within 75 days, that is why it is crucial that you enter into PCS Status at the correct time and file your travel vouchers as soon as possible so you can be reimbursed and pay your GTCC. See the GTCC section on the BRAC Web site for more information.
• Scheduling & Leave - When planning your schedule with your supervisor, remind them that any time taken for move-related events (ie. packers, movers, Transportation Office) is considered duty time and not charged as leave.  Also, your supervisor can approve up to 5 days of administrative leave to give you personal time to move. This time is charged as LN on your time sheet. 
  This authorization is covered by Civilian Personnel Manual DoD 1400.25-M: SC630.7.4.3. which states “Employees authorized PCS within the Department of Defense may be granted excused absence before departing the old duty station and following arrival at the new duty station to accomplish personal tasks resulting from the move (e.g., to close or open personal bank accounts; obtain State driver’s license or car tags). In similar situations, employees coming to the Department of Defense from other Federal Agencies may also be granted excused absence after the employee is placed on the Department of Defense’s employment roll. This provision does not cover time involved in complying with PCS requirements such as obtaining passport and vaccinations, adhering to Government housing authority requirements, or being present for packing and receiving of household goods. Accomplishing tasks that are conditional to the PCS is considered to be an official duty.”
• School – Be advised that schools in the Huntsville area begin the first week in August.  To register your child for school you must have an Alabama Blue Card and proof of residency.
• Alabama Blue Card – If you have a child attending either daycare or school you will be required to present and Alabama Blue Card to register them. This document must come from a doctor or local health department and certifies your child’s immunization records. If you have a doctor, you will need to have your child’s previous doctor fax your new doctor the child’s records. Once the new doctor has these records you can request a Blue Card. If you do not yet have a doctor, take your child’s health records to a local health department to receive your Blue Card.  Many health departments have a designated day of the week they issue Blue Cards.
• Car tags – Alabama DMVs require a copy of your title when registering your vehicle. Many states take several weeks to fill a copy request so plan accordingly. Also, depending on the county, many DMVs take only cash or in-state checks. The DMV on Redstone Arsenal has proven to be the quickest for those residing in Madison County. For more details visit the Alabama DMV Web site.
• Driver’s license – A second form of identification is required when applying for an Alabama driver’s license. Alabama does not require a written or driving test to obtain a driver’s license if you have a valid out-of-state license. More details can be found at the Alabama Department of Public Safety Web site.
• Huntsville Utilities – If you reside in Huntsville all your utilities will be provided through Huntsville Utilities and will come all on one bill.  Be advised, Huntsville Utilities has a strict deposit policy of $250.  If you obtain a letter of good credit from your current utility company your deposit will be reduced to $150.  Visit the Huntsville Utilities Web site for full details.
• Pets - The City of Huntsville and Madison County both require that all dogs and cats over the age of 4 months be registered and licensed each year.  Here is more information about licensing.  Pets are also required to have annual rabies vaccinations along with other standard vaccinations.  If your pet was vaccinated with a 3-year rabies shot you may want to get the shots updated prior to relocating. Here is more information about the pet laws in Madison County.
• Health care - Extensive information is available is the blog post “Health care in the Tennessee Valley,” and here’s a health care relocation checklist.

Do you have questions or concerns about any of these items?  Would you like further details or information on something discussed?  Reply to this blog, you can remain anonymous, and we’ll get you the answer!