PCS resources move online for better access, convenience Published Feb. 4, 2008 By Holly Birchfield 78th ABW/PA Robins Air Force Base, GA -- Sometimes making a change can be stressful. That statement is even truer when that change involves making a permanent change of station. But, the Airman and Family Readiness Center has created an online resource to help Airmen make a smooth transition to their next duty assignment. The Virtual Smooth Move, which came about Sept. 6, 2007, takes what Airmen and their families once spent a few hours learning in the former Smooth Move Workshop, and packs it away in an online toolbox for easier, more convenient access when and where people can fit it into their schedules. Kim Myers, a community readiness technician at the Airman and Family Readiness Center, said what once was a monthly workshop that met at the center is now connecting people to family resources around the world. Mrs. Myers said the center works with the Military Personnel Flight to get the names of those about to make a PCS and sends e-mails with information linking them to dozens of Web sites like MilitaryOneSource, PCSAmerica.net, and others to make the moving process a smoother, more convenient transition. The center has sent the virtual toolbox to about 500 people since it came online. Senior Airman Josh Roden, an instructor airborne operations technician with the 116th Air Control Wing's 330th Combat Training Squadron, who will PCS to Cannon Air Force Base, N.M, in June, said he found the resource to be a helpful way to be ready for his next assignment. "I went online and basically it was really helpful as far as knowing what I need to know about moving and familiarizing myself with the area," he said. Airman Roden said the program's user-friendly method made it easy for him to get what he was looking for quickly. Daniel Wells, team leader for Community Readiness at the Airman and Family Readiness Center, said while most people enjoy the ease of getting online, the center is still there for people who need more face-to-face time in the PCS process. "They can come and use our computers, or better yet, if they want to have more one-on-one with us, we'll be glad to sit down and do some one-on-one," he said. "(This is) especially true with family members or (Airmen) who've just gotten married or this is a first move and they're a little bit scared. (We're here) to sit down and do a one-on-one session with them." Mr. Wells said to get a personalized session, people should call the office and make an appointment. Mrs. Myers said people who are going to PCS in the coming months, but haven't heard from the center should call the office's main line at 926-1256 and talk to any staff member about receiving the online tool.