Service members moving overseas have the option to apply for a command sponsorship, which will allow dependents to travel and live with the military spouse on base in a foreign country fully funded by the government.

Although the most notable aspect of command sponsorship is getting to move, there are a number of benefits to being a command-sponsored dependent you might not be aware of. Keep in mind that most of the general information available on the web is for the Army specifically and other branches may have slightly different perks.

Travel overseas without command sponsorship is difficult and costly.

Housing Eligibility

One of the most important benefits to command sponsorship is the availability of housing on base. If you aren’t a command-sponsored dependent, you won’t be eligible for on-base housing if that’s something you’re interested in.

Travel Reimbursement

If your spouse is stationed in Germany and you and your two children are planning on joining but don’t have command sponsorship, you’ll be stuck with the travel and moving costs for every dependent, easily adding up to thousands of dollars. Command sponsored dependents travel and moving costs are fully funded.

Temporary Lodging

If you plan on living off base, command sponsorship can help set you up with a temporary lodging allowance, which provides funding for up to 10 days of lodging during the hunt for a place.

Command sponsorship helps with a lot of the details of accompanying your spouse overseas.

Employment

Without a work visa, dependents won’t be allowed to work off post. With this common limitation, command sponsorship gives dependents the ability to work on base.

Command Sponsorship Visas

Command sponsorship offers a number of benefits when it comes to visas. Without command sponsorship you would need to apply for a tourist visa and get permission from the host nation for residency, which can be a long and grueling process and especially problematic if you’re working against the clock.

Command-sponsored dependents are guaranteed SOFA status for immigrant residency and generally get their visas approved at a much faster rate than a citizen applying for a visa.

Education

If you plan on bringing children with you to a foreign base, command sponsorship has a number of educational benefits as well. Only command-sponsored dependents are eligible to attend Department of Defense schools.

If your spouse has been stationed overseas with an accompanied option and you’re considering moving without command sponsorship, double check that you won’t be in need of one of the many benefits that come with it.

The second post in this series will outline the steps to applying for command sponsorship.

Photo courtesy of expertinfantry and UNC – CFC – USFK

Here are a few things to know about no-fee passports and the process of getting one:

What it is

No-fee passports identify the owner is abroad for official travel. Aside from any service fees, no-fee passports are free of charge for the dependents of those needing to travel on government business. Spouses, children, parents and siblings of fallen member with an overseas funeral may also apply.

How to Apply

If a passport is deemed necessary for spouses, the installation’s human resource office will provide a DD Form 1056, or you can download one online. The application for the passport should be submitted to the local military passport and visa sector.

Once approved, the form becomes proof of your authorization and can be presented to the Department of State with the official travel orders. After the paperwork goes through, the Department can issue the passport. Typically, passports take 8-12 weeks and are sent to the branch of service, rather than the individual.

What You Need

The official forms aren’t the only required items to submit for a passport. You will also need to present:

• Passport Photos: Two identical pictures, measuring 2×2 inches on white or off-white background. Your head must be clear of all gear, including glasses. Your military installation may have a DA photo lab to get pictures done, but you can also go to store photo departments.
• Birth Certificate: You will need the original as well as a copy. You may not use birth registrations, notifications or hospital birth certificates, even with notarization. Previous passports may be used in lieu of a certificate, unless for a child under the age of 16.
• Original Marriage/Divorce Certificate
• Parent IDs for children:Children under 14 must have both parents’ IDs presented as well as a copies made. Those aged 14-15 only need one parent ID.
  • If a parent is divorced, single or the only one listed on the birth certificate for a child 13 and under, the parent must present: 1) An original notarized SPOA/DS-3053 for either single biological parents/divorced biological parents that have joint custody OR 2) The original finalized court document that states that a biological single parent and/or biological divorced parent has sole custody/primary custody.

What Else is Required

When families PCS, the DoD Directive requires members and dependents to have a Status of Forces Agreement stamp. A SOFA stamp gives legal rights that exempt the holder from the host country’s immigration laws regarding alien registration.

Where to Apply

Depending on your current location, you can use Department of State search tool to find where you can apply.

What Else to Know

No-fee passports are only used for official business. If you want to travel for leisure, you must obtain a regular-fee tourist passport. You are able to have both at the same time.

Apply as soon as you can. Peg Crippen describes her extra lengthy experience  and advises spouses to “hope for the best, but plan for the worst.”

Photo thanks to clapstarr via Flickr Creative Commons

But there are ways to keep your deployed spouse involved in your holiday traditions and make the season family-oriented. Here’s a look at five options:

Care Packages

Sometimes the best way to keep your deployed spouse involved in your holiday tradition is to send the season’s cheer in a care package. Whether you’re sending decorations, a favorite holiday film, music or some cookies, care packages are a great holiday tradition for military families. Not only will they enjoy it overseas, but you and your family can have a lot of fun getting into the spirit putting the package together.

Skype & Videos

Although your family may be thousands of miles apart during deployment, technology can help bridge the gap. Skyping while you are putting up the Christmas tree can make it seem like everyone is involved.

Unfortunately, Internet access may be limited to only certain parts of the day, but don’t let that stop you from recording a video of your family sending off the care package or even opening presents. The priceless look on your children’s faces on Christmas morning is the best gift you can give a deployed spouse.

Decorating

Not only can you send pictures and videos of yourself decorating the tree, but you can also include your spouse in the decorating process with your family.

Decorate a picture frame or make an ornament as a holiday craft and include pictures of the entire family. Many children love to make holiday-related art. You can have them draw a picture of the family around the tree and send it in a care package or even scan it into an email for fast delivery.

Letters from Santa 

One of the best ways to keep your spouse involved is to have them write letters from Santa to your children asking what they would like, responding to their Christmas list or even as a check-up to see if they’ve been naughty or nice.

This is a great way to hear about the children from their perspective as well as be involved in some holiday fun even though they can’t be there to pick out gifts.

Christmas In July

Another great way for deployed service members to enjoy the holiday season with their family is to celebrate when they return. You can still decorate the house and everything in December, but also do something small once they have returned.

You can set up the tree together, make hot chocolate and exchange a few gifts so everyone can enjoy their favorite traditions as a family.

These are just a few ways to make sure everyone enjoys the holiday season even during a deployment, so don’t let the business of the military lifestyle detract from this special season.

Photo thanks to jarek69 & evelyn via Flickr Creative Commons

In addition to restrictions and guidelines, USPS recommends “send by” dates to get packages to military members on time. Most dates are before December 10, so see if these ideas can get your mind cranking quickly:

• Tree: You can send a mini Christmas tree with decorations and battery operated lights (with plenty of batteries). This way your service member and his/her unit can decorate it together.
• Classic Movies/Cartoons: What’s Christmas without Rudolph, the Grinch and twenty-four hours of A Christmas Story? Pick out some holiday favorites and send them over.
• Stuffed Stockings: Send a stocking with goodies including essentials like Chapstick, toothpaste, etc. but also send some candy canes and toys. In an AllMilitary.com forum, it was mentioned that deployed members enjoyed playing with toy soldiers, parachute men and squirt guns. Most dollar stores carry these items.
• Christmas Carols: You can buy or make your own play-list set of Christmas carols. If you really want to personalize it, record your family singing tunes together for your service member.
• Church Sermon: Many people make it a tradition to attend church for the special Christmas sermon. With the Internet it’s easy to get archives of past sermons. Snag one from the previous year and send your member a copy.
• Gingerbread House Kit: Many grocery stores will stock winter-themed gingerbread kits during the holidays. It may be a fun activity for your service member and unit to play around with.
• Decorations: Get kids involved and send homemade paper snowflakes, snowmen or Santa himself
• And don’t forget New Year’s: You may be an ocean or two apart, but you can help your member welcome in the New Year by sending some confetti, blowers, hats and plastic champagne glasses to toast at midnight. You can also share your New Year’s resolutions and ways your deployed service member can be a part of them upon their return.

Photo thanks to anna gutermuth via Flickr Creative Commons

To avoid being overwhelmed with culture shock you can prepare yourself by making important property decisions, acclimating yourself to change and learning as much as you can about the location.

Consider Language Barriers

English speakers might surround you, but you may still want to learn the local language. According to the Department of Defense numbers as of 2010, the largest military installments are in Japan, South Korea, Germany, and Kuwait. Consider language programs like Rosetta Stone, which has 31 different programs (including the languages of aforementioned countries). Check with your command, Rosetta Stone is often offered for free or at a discounted rate to military.

Learn the Cultural Customs

Kwintessential.co.uk provides proper etiquette and protocol for multiple countries. For instance, if you go to Japan, pay special attention to facial expressions. Frowning is considered disagreeing, while scratching your eyebrow is seen as disrespectful. Do the research so you know what your body language is saying and you can avoid social faux pas.

Plan on Driving?

Simply knowing which side of the road to drive on won’t cut it when you consider foreign driving. An Associated Content article lists must-haves for driving in a foreign place with a U.S. license. Consider:

• Insurance: does yours extend to other countries? You may need proof with an International Motor Insurance Card.
• Driving Regulations: speed limits, cell phone usage, blood alcohol content levels, etc.

Speaking of Driving…

If you decide to ship your car, you will need to make sure your vehicle is acceptable. You may need to make modifications on items like lights and mirrors to make it drivable. Also, consider replacement parts for your car. They will most likely need to be shipped, so allot time and have a manual on hand.

According to this Associated Content article, large vehicles are seen as “American” and may not be the most conducive to narrow roads. They may also be the target of damage and theft.

If you decide to purchase abroad, look into the base you’ll be transferring to. You may be able to buy a car from service members returning to the states.

Living Quarters

Will you need adapters for electricity? Voltage Vallet provides an index of countries, their electric voltage, and proper adapters to accommodate each. Also, most countries have smaller living arrangements than that of an American home, so be aware of what you pack.

Money Matters

Learn the currency exchange rates and monetary values. If you’re wondering whether or not your bank is available at the installation you’ll be moving to, there is a website that indexes each bank per location. You still may want to consider opening a local account. Paying your bills in a foreign currency can be made easier and cut the costs of funding money transfers.

Photo thanks to lukehoagland via Flickr Creative Commons