Whether it’s your first, 10th, or 20th PCS, it can be challenging to hit the reset button on your community of support and the resources you use. The summer months are a busy time for many military families. Set yourself up for success by connecting with organizations, activities, and people on and off the installation before you pack can lessen the stress once you arrive to a new place. 

Start by doing some preliminary research before packing and shipping out your household goods. To discover which resources you should be looking for and where your family will fit in, create a bullet list of items you consider important when connecting with others. Build a network that is right for you before you land at your new duty station so you can hit the ground running. 

Here are a few ideas for new community connections and resources to tap into.

Installation communities (inside the gates):

• Family Readiness Groups: Depending on your family’s branch of service, there are different ways to connect with your assigned unit. Family Readiness Groups are a great resource to connect with, especially during a deployment. They allow you to meet new families and find immediate support, especially if you are far from home. Consider joining a Family Readiness Group (Army), the Ombudsman Program (Navy), Key Spouse Program (Air Force), or connecting with your local Family Readiness Officer (Marine Corps) to inquire about a family support system at your installation. 
  
  
• Military Family Support Centers: Installation-based family support centers are a one-stop-shop for family readiness information and services. Military One Source provides a great reference on connecting to your branch of service whether your family is on active duty or in the Guard or Reserve. Tap into these offices when you land at your new duty station or give them a call at your current location. 
  
  
• Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR): Each installation has its own MWR office that focuses on boosting the overall quality of family life through programs or classes. These can include but are not limited to group workout classes, mommy and me classes, outdoor recreational events, and arts and crafts courses. Many of the programs offered are free or low-cost.
  
  
• Spouse Clubs: Typically, every installation has an organization that supports the historical military tradition of military spouse gatherings such as monthly lunches, group activities, and local events. As an added bonus, many offer scholarships for spouses or military children. It’s a great way to get to know new people affiliated with your installation, network, and find volunteer opportunities. 

Local community resources (outside the gates):  

• Armed Services YMCA : The Armed Services YMCA provides programs and services to the young men and women of all five armed services: Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force, and Coast Guard. Connect with other families who might be in the same phase of life as you. The ASYMCA is made up of 13 branches, has approximately 20 affiliate locations at local YMCAs, and offers programming on several installation facilities across the U.S.
  
  
• Religious establishments: Although many installations offer religious services for the community, research other faith-based locations in your new zip code that accommodate your family’s needs. Establishing yourself in a new faith-based community will allow you to grow together with others in friendship and faith. Odds are there are other military families going through the same transition. 
  
  
• Meet other adults in special interest groups such as cooking classes, sports team,s or professional organizations. 
  
  
• Get your children involved in local youth activities, playgroups, lessons, or educational classes. For those with toddlers or infant children, check to see if there is a MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) program in your area. Also look to see if there is a local chapter or join a Stroller Warriors running club.

Although this list is not all inclusive for you to build a community of support, it will hopefully give you a jump start in the right direction.  Getting out of your shell, connecting with others, and identifying with those who are in the same situation with similar interests or life phases will help you thrive at your new duty station. Don't forget — you can learn a lot from other military families who have faced similar challenges. 

Christine Gallagher is the project manager of BAM Technologies’ military spouse programs as well as the founder of Military Quality of Life Consulting LLC. She is married to an active duty soldier and has two children.