Hi,we will be stationed in Hawaii and I would appreciate every advice I can get. I have a million questions and still try to find as much information as I can.So I was hoping someone could tell me a little about it, maybe recommend a base housing (we have 2 kids and 2 dogs). Will the Marine Corps also pay the flights for the dogs? I know they just ship one car, any advice which company we can ship our second car with? Thank you so much in advance,Sina
No they will not pay for the shipment of your animals, you will have to pay for that out of your own pocket. The only thing they will pay for is up to $550 of the total Quarantine cost. If it is more than that it is out of your pocket, if it is less than that then you only get what you paid out. You will need to go through the procedures to attempt in an instant release or only a few days of quarantine for the dogs. You will qualify for 3 bedroom housing if it is available. The section you are offered will depend on his Rank. There can be a wait time and you will receive lodging for that on base. It is called TLA and covers the lodging and food per day for each person including the children. They do it in 10 day increments. If you are offered a place and turn it down you will only have 10 days to find another place before TLA will stop. You will also be receiving Hawaii BAH during this time. Look into Matson for shipping your vehicle. You might be allowed to ship your first car from where you are (The closest port to it) and then drive the other vehicle to LA or San Diego getting Per Diem and MALT then have a shorter flight might be possible. It will have to be approved first though. For both vehicles you will need current registrations, license info, insurance and if on a loan a letter from the bank allowing you to take it out of the mainland. When flying you will get a ticket for each of you including the children. You will get the option of 2 shipments, 1 main HHG and 1 Express shipment. The later is up to 1,000 pounds on basic things (towels, sheets, clothing, kitchen things, small TV, dvd player - no major things). If you get in housing right away you will get loaner furniture which can be helpful for you in knowing what to ship.Hawaii can seem expensive depending on where you are living now. The COLA more than makes up for it though. Using the commissary will help and you will have several to choose from to shop at. The Commissary at KBay is nice, then about 25 mins away is Pearl Harbor and Hickam. Then 20 minutes from that is Schofield Barracks. Just go with a positive attitude, be respectful, don t do everything in the first few weeks or months span it out, and if you get a chance go to the other islands.
Hi SIna,The USMC will not pay for the second car. The auto shippers are all pretty much the same, 99% of vehicles get here with no damage, or they would go out of business. I would shop by price. Many people drive to the West Coast for a nice vacation and ship their cars out of a major cisy, such as SF, Seattle, or LA.When you start looking for housing on Oahu, talk to other members in your unit, or your husband s. I have never been a fan of base housing, I would live off base, since the BAH is not bad for Honolulu County.Feel free to send me an email if you have specific questions.
My nephew is at scofield over there and loves it.He said the people over there are friendly and the only down point is every thing is expensive.There are lots of things to do including going to the beach.He recently took surfing lessons from some of the guys on base.You will have to check about the dogs some bases only allow a certain size dog.
I thought the military had left Hawaii. It is long overdue.