Remember when I said that PCSing – and OCONUS PCSing, specificially –  is a “hurry up and wait,” kind of thing? Well, in true Army fashion, it was a “wait, wait, wait and HURRY UP” kind of thing for us instead. It’s been a whirlwind few days, and all of sudden, our countdown is fast and furious with less than a month left in Alaska. We knew that when it happened, it would happen quickly, but wow. This process never ceases to absolutely blindside us.

Less than a Month Left in Alaska

Early last week, we checked in on our EFMP packet in Korea and saw no movement. We knew Ryan had his HHG appointment on Friday to schedule unaccompanied movers, and we were praying that the stars would align and our command sponsored orders would be approved in time. But, with no movement by early Wednesday, we were quickly losing hope. We knew that it would all work out, but goodness. That stress, guys.

Then, on Wednesday evening, we received our initial MRO (medical review) approval, and we had an inkling of hope. By Thursday morning, our individual screenings were approved and, since Spencer is the only one on EFMP for asthma, we’d hoped it would go quickly, but we weren’t sure. On Thursday evening, all the stars aligned, and it clearly stated that our EFMP was approved and that travel memos were sent to Fort Wainwright. And, sure enough, at his HHG appointment on Friday, MPD hand-delivered Ryan’s command sponsored orders so we could get our movers scheduled.

A Quick and Dirty PCS Rundown

Like I said, we knew it would go fast, but we didn’t know it would go quite so fast (we’re not complaining though!) As of Friday, our HHG are scheduled, as our our UAB (that’s our unaccompanied baggage, or the stuff we want to arrive first), and we even scheduled flights. We officially have less than a month left in Alaska.

Movers come in a week. Yes, you read that right. Ryan will fly Danny to New Hampshire in early May to stay with my parents, and I’ll finalize all the cleanup and household stuff here. Then, once he’s back, he’ll work on clearing CIF, we’ll move into the hotel for a night and, in true Fairbanks fashion, our flight out will be at 1:45 AM, as we say farewell to Alaska in early May. It’s wild, and chaotic, and messy, and ultra stressful, but it feels good to know our timeline now.

Here We Go…

For better or worse, the countdown is on! We have less than a month left in Alaska, it’s officially breakup season, and we’re ready for our next big adventure. Buckle up, friends! Here we go.