Military Sponsorship:
Your Welcome Committee

The military sponsorship program pairs incoming service members with someone already stationed at the gaining installation. Your sponsor is typically a fellow service member of similar rank or experience who volunteers to serve as your point of contact, guide, and advocate during your transition.

This is not a casual suggestion from the military. The Department of Defense considers sponsorship a critical element of readiness, because service members who transition smoothly into their new environment are better prepared to focus on their mission.

A good sponsor does far more than send a welcome email. Here is what you can expect from the sponsorship experience:

• Area orientation — local neighborhoods, commute times, grocery stores, restaurants, and the general lay of the land around your installation.
• Housing guidance — insight into on-post housing availability, wait lists, and recommended off-post neighborhoods. This is where I come in as your MRP-certified real estate agent, working alongside your sponsor to find the right home.
• School information — details about local school districts, enrollment procedures, and school liaison contacts for your children.
• Family support — connecting your spouse with employment resources, Family Readiness Groups, and community organizations.
• In-processing logistics — helping you understand the check-in process, where to report, and what documents you need on arrival day.

Requesting a sponsor should be one of the first things you do after receiving PCS orders. Here is the typical process:

1. 1 Contact your gaining unit. Your orders will identify the unit you are reporting to. Reach out to their orderly room, first sergeant, or administrative office to request sponsorship assignment.
2. 2 Complete the DA Form 5434 (or your branch equivalent). This form captures your personal information, family details, and specific questions or concerns about the new location.
3. 3 Introduce yourself. Once your sponsor is assigned, reach out with a phone call or email. Share your timeline, family composition, housing preferences, and any specific needs.
4. 4 Research the installation. Use MilitaryINSTALLATIONS to review installation details, housing options, and local resources before your first conversation with your sponsor.

Your sponsor is a volunteer, not a professional concierge, but the best sponsors take their role seriously. You should expect regular communication before your arrival, honest answers about the area, and a willingness to meet you when you get to the installation.

At Texas installations, sponsors often help with practical details that make a big difference: which gate to use during peak hours, where to find the best barbecue near post, and which neighborhoods have the shortest commute to your work center.

• Ask about housing early. On-post housing can have wait lists, and off-post inventory in popular Texas markets like Killeen, San Antonio, and the DFW metroplex moves quickly. The sooner you start your search, the better.
• Request school information for your children. Your sponsor can connect you with the installation school liaison officer, who specializes in helping military children transition between schools.
• Ask about spouse resources. Texas has a strong military spouse employment network, and your sponsor can point your family toward job fairs, networking groups, and professional development opportunities.
• Share your concerns openly. If you have specific needs, such as accessibility requirements, pet-friendly housing, or proximity to specialized medical care, tell your sponsor upfront so they can help you plan accordingly.