Will you be making a permanent change of station (PCS) to McChord Air Force in the near future? If so, you will want to start planning for the move in advance. This is especially true when it comes to researching your housing options and determining your eligibility for the VA home loan. It’s wise to engage professional help with understanding your financing options, especially if you need to confirm your entitlement.
In this guide, we share with you more information about making a PCS to McChord Air Force.
Location and Basic Information
McChord Air Force is one-half of the Joint Base Lewis McChord (JBLM). It is also one of the most requested transfer bases in the military because of the wide range of services and amenities that can be enjoyed here. JBLM is strategically located near major cities such as Tacoma, Olympia, and Seattle, however, you can enjoy stunning views of Mount Rainier and hear the waves of the Pacific Ocean in the distance from your base!
History
Fort Lewis and McChord Air Force merged to become a joint base in 2010. The United States Air Force only started functioning as a separate branch of the military in 1947. Despite this, JBLM has over 100 years of history as Camp Lewis was first established in 1917.
Housing
Although there are both on- and off-site housing options at McChord Air Force, there are only a little over 5,000 properties on JBLM itself, some of which are undergoing renovation. Many military families choose to stay in the neighboring cities, which include Lakewood, Olympia, and Tacoma among others. Regardless of whether you choose to stay on or off-base, you may need some help navigating your VA home loan or refinancing options.
Amenities and Services
JBLM is well known for the comprehensive range of services and amenities provided on the base. The McChord Health and Wellness Center provides nutritional and fitness classes for members, and service members who are transitioning to civilian life can seek advice from the Hawk Career Center. Families will also find lots of support onsite, with a family advocacy program, a Family Resource Center, a children’s library, and more.
Things to Do
Being based at McChord Air Force means that you can always find plenty to do in the area. Whether you wish to go sledding and snowboarding at Mount Rainier National Park or hop on a ferry to Anderson Island, there are many great destinations for solo trips as well as family outings.
PCS Planning Can Be Made Easy with West Coast Veterans
When you require help with PCS planning, West Coast Veterans is the right team to come to. With over 20 years of experience helping military families relocate to bases around Washington, you can rest assured that we keep abreast of the latest market conditions and VA guidelines. This ensures that we are in the best position to advise you and help to make your move go as smoothly as possible! Our team is driven by energy, experience, drive, and transparency, and you can be sure of on-time closings and competitive rates when you engage our services.
Since 2001, we've been assisting active-duty service members and veterans all over the state of Washington and in Puget Sound. Feel free to read all about us at www.PCStoJBLM.com.