Orders

       Your sponsor (the Active Duty spouse is often referred to as a Sponsor by the way), or you have finally received orders. You know, that official piece of paper. Well you need to make sure you understand what they mean. I bet there are a lot of spouses, and sponsors that may not understand everything, all that tiny writing at the bottom that tells you your travel days and what you're allowed to do. Don't be afraid to ask someone what it all means, it's there for a reason. First, make sure all dependents are on the sponsors orders. When my husband got orders to Germany, we were not married yet, so my name was not on his orders. Be sure to double check this or you will not be able to do anything. We then had to get an ammendment adding my name.  I’m sure one of the first things on your mind is “where will we be living?” I know I wanted to know right away! Do not stress about this right now. First thing first, get a POA (power of attorney) which can be received from the legal or JAG office, if you, the dependent, want to do anything on your own. I know my husband is very capable to getting things done on his own but I'm slightly OCD and want things done my way and organized my way. And I'm sure my mother is laughing as she reads this because she knows how true that is :) Back to POA, there are different types of POA’s. There is one specifically for shipping/receiving HHG (household goods). You have to have a POA for shipping HHG to even make an appointment to set up the packing of your stuff. If you plan to ship/receive your POV (personally owned vehicle) without your Sponsor, make sure you have a POA for your car! There is also a general POA which allows you to do pretty much anything, but not everything (buy/sell a car, ship HHG, Ship POV, take out loans… etc) but be sure you discuss this with your Sponsor so you fully understand the responsibility of having the option to do anything in his/her name. Yes, there are wives who have a general POA and when their husbands deploy they buy/sell a car without discussing it with their husband. They take complete advantage of it!... You can also get a POA for anything specific. As I'm typing my husband is getting a POA for me to file claims. They will make a POA for anything and it's a quick process so go get one!
          While going through the process of PCSing, be sure to ALWAYS have a copy of your Sponsor’s orders! More than one copy would be better because some offices ask for a copy and never give them back. I think at one time I had 17 copies... Also know your Sponsor’s social security number. The sponsor is the one on the orders so the last four digits of their social will be asked for multiple times. If you are the spouse and you're doing all this be ready when you walk in an office, those happy and cheery civilian employees will immediately ask you "is your sponsor here?" while you're standing there alone... Then they will say you can't do anything without them and that's when you say, not true! I have my POA! 

Refresh
1. understand orders
2. check names on orders
3. get your POA
4. always have a copy of orders on you!
5. know your sponsors social