Getting Here

Motoring
If you're behind the wheel, steer north by northwest toward the top of the world. The highways through Canada and Alaska offer breathtaking scenery and the freedom to explore at your own pace. Most travelers choose the Alberta to Alaska Highway route or the British Columbia/Yukon route. Expect pot holes and flying gravel. View details about these roads at www.northtoalaska.com.

Regardless of your approach, you'll be overwhelmed by all the natural beauty and wildlife yet close to necessary amenities to make the trip comfortable and memorable. The highways are open year round but the best time to travel is from late spring to early fall. More facilities are open, the weather's friendlier and the wildlife plentiful.

The drive is at least 2,000 miles from the Lower 48 so plan, plan and plan before you leave. First, make sure your vehicle is in tip-top shape. If you're pulling a heavy load, upgrade the shocks. Second, secure an atlas and road maps and then sign-up with a roadside service, such as AAA, that includes long-distance towing. Third, anticipate needs along the way. Bring extra oil, a couple of spare tires, extra belts, a first aid kit, snacks, water and lots of gas money.

Remember that Canada dispenses gas in liters - 3.78 liters equals one U.S. gallon. Gas is also more expensive, especially in remote areas, and seldom conveniently located. When your gas gauge reads half a tank, it's best to take a break from driving and fill up.

Crossing the Border
Travel through the Canadian/U.S. borders requires a valid passport. And Canadian Customs officials can deny entry based on a criminal record, including a DUI conviction. They can also search vehicles and travelers at their discretion. For details visit www.customs.gov or www. canadawelcomesyou.net.

Anyone younger than 16 years old may cross land and sea borders using a U.S. birth certificate. But minors not accompanied by both parents must carry a notarized letter from their legal guardian and/or the other parent granting permission to travel into Canada.

Dogs and cats with rabies vaccination and health certificates signed by a veterinarian may accompany their owners. Both certificates must clearly identify the animal(s) in your possession. Failure to present these certificates - if asked - could prohibit entering the country.

You must also show proof of sufficient funds. Canada accepts most major U.S. credit cards, plus you won't have to worry about the conversion rate. Nevertheless, take a good stash of cash in case you end up somewhere that doesn't accept credit cards. For the rate of exchange, go to www.bankofcanada.ca/en/rates/exchform.html. Canada also allows non-residents to transport certain classes of firearms but they must be declared. So be sure to check with the Canada Border Services Agency before you leave. Find Canada's gun control laws and download required forms at www.cfc-cafc.gc.ca. Or save yourself the hassle and ship your firearms instead.

Ferry
For a more leisurely mode, travelers can hook up with the Alaska Marine Highway's ocean-going ferries at Bellingham, Wash., or Prince Rupert, British Columbia. The water route also affords the opportunity to take in the natural splendor of southeast Alaska's many parks and communities off the road system.

The passage includes vehicles, people and cabins that sell out early, so make reservations as far in advance as possible. On overnight trips passengers frequently sleep in lounge chairs, on the floor inside lounges or in their small tents on the solarium deck or the stern of the cabin deck. The shower stalls are public on most ferries and a cafeteria serves food on all vessels.

Pets with a valid rabies certificate and a health certificate are permitted but must be confined to your vehicle, except for exercise on the vehicle deck during specified times or stops. Vehicle access is restricted for most of the trip.

Remember that ferries are not cruise ships. The scenery outside the windows is the same viewed by more than a million cruise ship passengers every summer, but the similarities end there. Bring coolers full of food and beverages, plus blankets, pillows, towels and entertainment, and a camera. For reservations, schedules, fares and other information, visit www.ferryalaska.com.

Flight
If a cross-country road trip and border crossing aren't appealing, then fly into Fairbanks International Airport. Daily direct flights from Seattle typically take 3 ½ to 4 hours, and you can ship household goods and vehicles by road or barge.

Whether by air, land or sea, you can expect an unforgettable journey through some of the most rugged and breath-taking scenery in North America.

PERSONAL PROPERTY
For all personnel assigned to forts Wainwright and Greely, the government pays to ship personal property, household goods and one privately owned vehicle, plus travel to the state. If shipping a POV at government expense, a member may still be authorized to drive to the new duty station, because driving falls under travel entitlement and shipping a POV falls under a shipping entitlement. The following information will help you prepare for the move.

On receipt of orders to Alaska, contact your local transportation office. Start planning your move well in advance. Shipping your personal property to Alaska normally takes 30 to 40 days, depending on how much and where you ship it.

Weight restrictions
Your grade and whether you are serving an accompanied or unaccompanied tour determine the maximum HHG weight allowance. Exceeding your weight entitlement could cost hundreds, even thousands of dollars, so estimate the weight of your goods carefully before shipping. A good rule of thumb is 1,000 pounds per room, excluding bathrooms, but including basements and garages.

Alaska is also considered an administrative weight restricted area for single, unaccompanied soldiers in grades staff sergeants and below, sergeant first class and above residing on post, and officers residing on post. Look up administrative weight limitations in the Overseas Consignment Guide or contact your local transportation office.

Transport
You can transport personal property in two ways: government contracted move or Do-It-Yourself (DITY) move. For a DITY move the government pays military personnel 95 percent of the cost for a contracted move. The origin transportation office must pre-approve DITY moves or partial DITY moves. These moves are subject to federal and state taxes (28 percent) off the top. The government also pays for a baggage shipment, but keep in mind that the weight of the baggage shipment counts against your maximum weight allowance. Some members, especially if they take leave en route, simply combine their property into a single shipment.

Storage
If you choose the single shipment option, you may request at the originating transportation office the government to temporarily store most of your belongings and only deliver essential items until you receive quarters. At the time of pick up, be sure to designate the items for "partial delivery" and note authorization on your government bill of lading.

The government will also place any property you leave behind in non-temporary storage for the duration of your overseas tour. Ask your transportation office to discuss the Overseas Consignment Guide Instructions for your new overseas duty station.

Mobile homes
In lieu of household goods, you can ship your mobile home, but the process can be extremely frustrating and expensive. The government reimburses shipping costs based on your authorized maximum HHG weight in accordance with JFTR, Vol. 1, Chapter 5.

Excess weight is extremely costly, and you may be required to modify your mobile home to enter the state. The base lacks mobile home lots and space is scarce in nearby communities. Direct any questions about this difficult process to the transportation office or call the Alaska Department of Transportation, Weights and Measures Section at (907) 341-3200.

Sponsors and travel
Apply for a sponsor and concurrent travel for family members before leaving your present duty station. In most cases, your sponsor will authorize travel if housing is available. At that time also determine the status of any dependents since the government won't pay for new or unauthorized dependents or their property. For more information, contact your local transportation office. Here are some suggestions to consider before shipping your household goods to Alaska:
• Normally, the departing duty station authorizes non-temporary storage.
• Large, oversized or over-stuffed furniture or workbenches longer than 7 feet, 6 inches may not fit in quarters.
• Unless in two parts, queen-size box springs may not fit up the stairways. Two-piece king size beds will, but very large dressers won't.
• Avoid freezers larger than 17 cubic feet.
• TV antennas aren't generally needed.
• Government quarters include a washer and dryer, a stove and a refrigerator, but no drapes.
• Avoid such liquid items as canned foods and drinks from October through May because they will freeze if left in an unheated area.

Shipping your car
The government will pay for you to ship one vehicle - maximum of 800 cubic feet - in addition to driving another vehicle to Alaska. But seek advice from the departing transportation office before taking any action.

Many people drive to Seattle and ship their auto via barge and then fly the rest of the way. From the East Coast, you may want use an authorized port/ vehicle processing center that serves your departing post. Transit times vary from each processing center but seldom exceed 40 days.

Personnel assigned to Fort Wainwright and/or Fort Greely can pick up their rides in Fairbanks. But be sure to gather from the departing transportation office such specific information as address, maps, phone number and hours of operation for vehicle processing centers in Fairbanks or Anchorage. Before dropping off your car, make certain that:
• It is in safe operating condition; if not, it will not be accepted.
• A complete set of keys are included with the vehicle.
• Antifreeze protects the radiator for temperatures of 50- below zero.
• The battery is fully charged.
• The gas tank is no more than 1/4 full.
• Only essential tools and accessories are left inside. A few items such as thermos bottles and seat cushions are permitted for driving to the port.

The port shipping activity/vehicle processing center will inspect your auto when you deliver it and inventory all accessories, as well as note its condition on the vehicle-shipping document. Secure a legible copy of this document prior to leaving the port activity/vehicle processing center.

To prevent unnecessary delays, give your phone number to the Fairbanks process center as soon as you arrive on post. Any holdups can be very unpleasant, especially in the winter.

When you pick up your auto, the center will inspect its condition and note any damage on the Privately Owned Vehicle Shipping Document, Department of Defense Form 788. It is your responsibility to ensure that the receiving processing center lists all potential damages on this document before you leave port facilities.

Refer questions concerning potential damages to the legal claims office at the origin or destination duty station.

ALASKA DRIVING
Road Rules
Military personnel, your Alaska non-commercial license is valid while you are active duty. Effective January 1, 2011, the policy was extended to military spouses. All drivers are asked to keep their address information current with Alaska DMV. Civilians in Alaska longer than 90 days must obtain an Alaska driver's license. If you intend to establish residency, you must register your vehicle within 10 days of entering the state or taking a job within the state. Required documents include a valid registration title, an I/M certificate, proof of insurance and a completed application. A non-resident may operate a vehicle registered in another state for up to 60 days.

The Fairbanks North Star Borough requires any 1975 or later passenger cars and trucks with a net vehicle weight of 12,000 pounds powered by gas engines to pass a carbon monoxide emission test.

And all auto owners must maintain liability insurance for the following minimum amounts: $50,000 for bodily injury or death of any one person, $100,000 for bodily injury or death for any accident and $25,000 for property damage.

Drivers must show proof of insurance when operating a vehicle. Failure to do so could result in impounding the vehicle. Some rural areas are exempt from registration and from mandatory insurance. For more information, check out the DMV's website at www.state. ak.us/dmv/dmvhome.htm.

Winter
Winter roads are a real challenge, so SLOW DOWN. Many drivers forget to adjust for snow-and-ice-slicked conditions. As a result speed and slamming on the breaks causes countless accidents every winter.

On the other hand, front-wheel and four-wheel drive autos with studded snow tires can reduce white-knuckle fever. For rearwheel drive, center extra weight - such as sandbags - on the rear axle to help with sliding and traction. Also keep in your vehicle such emergency supplies as blankets, flares and food in case of breakdowns, bad weather or accidents.

If you've never driven on ice and snow, expect to learn all over again when winter hits. Basically, snow and ice greatly reduce tire traction so your car or truck - four-wheel drive or not - will take a lot longer to stop.

Clear vision also prevents accidents, so be sure to brush and scrape the snow and ice off your windshield, and the rear and side windows.

Summer
Traffic, SUVs, motor homes and looky-loos abound, so drive defensively. Expect frequent stops - especially in scenic and wildanimal areas - and look out for difficult-to-see motorcyclists and bicyclists. The long, warm days also signal road construction. Watch out for workers on the road and pay attention to heavy equipment and speed-limit signs. Fines double in construction zones.

WELCOME CENTERS
If arriving in your POV, security personnel at the gate will direct you to the Welcome Center or wherever else you are required to go to report in. After hours, you will most likely be directed to the guest house.

If you arrive via commercial air, signs posted at Fairbanks International Airport provide a phone number to call for transportation. Even better, if you have a sponsor assigned by your receiving unit, arrange in advance to have him or her greet you at the airport.

Upon arrival at forts Wainwright and Greely, Soldiers must sign in at the Welcome Center.

At Fort Wainwright, Soldiers sign in at Bldg. 3401 and during duty hours (Monday through Friday 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.) report to the MPD Front Desk. After duty hours and holidays report to Bldg. 1555, Staff Duty. If you arrive in Fairbanks by air, you should call the Welcome Center at (907) 353-2273, 24 hours a day.

At Fort Greely, go to Bldg. 556 during duty hours Monday through Friday and the Front Gate all other hours. The Welcome Center phone number is (907) 873-3663.

Soldiers MUST have concurrent travel in order to be authorized to bring their family with them when initially arriving in Alaska and in order to be paid for the dependent travel. This travel decision must be processed through the losing installation Levy Section before PCSing to Alaska. If family members travel before they are authorized, you will not be reimbursed for their travel. If you are authorized to bring your family members with you initially, their names must be listed on your orders.

If your family is with you in concurrent travel status, you will be sent to lodging open 24 hours a day. Lodging is available on a space-available basis for Soldiers without reservations, arriving at or departing on permanent change of station orders. All personnel traveling on PCS orders are required to check with the Lodging Office before seeking transient accommodations off post.

Only Family Housing can authorize a temporary lodging allowance; you must check in with them as soon as you are scheduled for in-processing.

TLA is available for single Soldiers in the pay grade of E-6 and above, married Soldiers in all grades arriving without family members due to deferred travel and for all married Soldiers on concurrent travel who are accompanied by command-sponsored family members. TLA is authorized to partially offset the cost of temporary lodging for the first 20 days after arrival, unless government housing is immediately available. TLA can be extended on a case-by-case basis.

Soldiers and their families arriving between Oct. 1 and April 1 should be adequately equipped with cold-weather clothing. Particularly during the period of December through March, temperatures can fall as far as 40 degrees below zero or even colder.

FINANCE
Fort Wainwright has a finance office to assist you in resolving most financial arrangements during in-processing.

The C Detachment, 125th Finance Battalion, handles all the pay accounts for Soldiers stationed at forts Wainwright and Greely, and is located on the third floor of the Welcome Center in Bldg. 3401. The customer service phone number is 353-1307. Hours of operation are 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. and 1 to 4:30 p.m. Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday. The office is closed on Thursday for Sergeants Time Training. The Department of Defense authorizes a cost of living allowance for all Soldiers stationed in Alaska. The amount of COLA a service member draws depends on their rank, years of service, duty location and the number of commandsponsored family members. Soldiers stationed at Fort Greely will receive hardship duty pay-location to compensate the member for austere living conditions. Basic allowance for housing is payable to Soldiers authorized to obtain quarters based on the economy.  read more...