Decipher the acronyms!
DSTA - Defence School Transition Aide
DHA - Defence Housing Australia RLLT - Remote Locality Leave Travel DSNSG - Defence Special Needs Support Group DCO - Defence Community Organisation DFA - Defence Families of Australia MWD - Member with Dependants NCO - Non Commissioned Officer Orders - Spoken or written instructions to serving member PADRE - Defence Chaplain VVCS - Veterans and Veterans Families Counseling Service Check out this page also for more information http://www.defence.gov.au/dco/partners/ |
CDF - Chief of Defence Force
OC - Officer Commanding CO - Commanding Officer (yes there is a difference) SECPOL - Security Police DTC - Defence Travel card DOHAS - Defence Home Ownership Assistance Scheme MWD(U) - Member with dependants, unaccompanied PACMAN - Pay and Conditions manual REDLO - Regional Education Liaison Officer |
XO - Executive Officer
ALLOWANCE - Pay and special compensation PCSO - The old ADMINO (Admin officer) AWOL - Make sure your partner is never this! BREW - tea OR coffee COC - Chain of Command (use it, don't abuse it) Dining in - Formal social gathering at the mess MWOD - Member without Dependants Posting - Moving work location as required PT - Physical Training RA- rental Assistance |
Posting / Travel Help
One big thing our members wanted to let you know : You are NOT alone! Dont be afraid to reach out if you are worried, shy, scared, bored .... anything!
Another important thing they want you to know. Read and utelise PACMAN (simple google pacman and the keywords for your problem) " If you know the system you can get what you are entitled to. Because no one tells you what you are actually entitled to....."
* (one given to us by our removal company). Do a final empty wash of the dishwasher and washing machine. Put 1/3 cup vinegar in the main area and 1 tablespoon of bi-carb in the powder area and do an empty wash. Then disconnect and drain (they said 1-2 days b4 uplift is best to make sure it dries out).
* Wipe dry fridges and freezers, leave to air dry then give a quick wipe over with diluted vanilla and for transport to soak up the wet use a sock with bi carb or a roll of toilet paper to help eliminate the risk of damp and mould.
* We also use our walk in wardrobe as our do not touch area as it can be shut off and normally get removalist to put items they cannot pack onto a fold out table in the kitchen/family area - so we know what we have left to deal with.. (last move they found a hidden can of flyspray and an open bag of mouldy semi dried apricots my niece had stashed in a safe hiding place..lol)
* We always pack a priority box which I let the kids decorate so it stands out. In it I put: kettle, tea/ coffee, sugar, biscuits, air tight container of snacks, LL milk, Picnic set, and inside/ outside activity for the kids.
*Take all your important documents with you - Birth cert, passports etc... if not taking your computer with you copy all files/info onto a back up in case it gets lost/damaged.
* I also backup Photos on Hard drive, so I have back-up if photos get damaged or take them with us if we have room.
* Make sure your priority box is really the last box to be packed on the truck. It’s supposed to be but often isn’t…and it pretty useless it it’s the last box off the truck in your new location.
* Unpack the kids room first…helps them settle in quicker.
* Moving to a new place can be scary and sad but if you try and look forward to it, be excited by it then that attitude will help your children adjust to the change too.
* Ring and confirm EVERYTHING (motels, transport etc.)
*Pack ALL uniforms!!! If your house falls through and TA is extended over the period the members starts work it always pays to have both blues & DCPU's.
*Anything that belongs to the hose, keys, garage door remotes, paperwork ect put in the oven on prepack and uplift day so they dont get packed.
*Dont forget any of the technology chargers ! Add a few new apps to phones, tablets, ipads, purchase a few new DVDs and books for kids. and dont forget good old Travel bingo! Check our pinterest for lots of travel activities and free printables!
*Check tyres and battery in car(s) and trailer(s)!
Another important thing they want you to know. Read and utelise PACMAN (simple google pacman and the keywords for your problem) " If you know the system you can get what you are entitled to. Because no one tells you what you are actually entitled to....."
* (one given to us by our removal company). Do a final empty wash of the dishwasher and washing machine. Put 1/3 cup vinegar in the main area and 1 tablespoon of bi-carb in the powder area and do an empty wash. Then disconnect and drain (they said 1-2 days b4 uplift is best to make sure it dries out).
* Wipe dry fridges and freezers, leave to air dry then give a quick wipe over with diluted vanilla and for transport to soak up the wet use a sock with bi carb or a roll of toilet paper to help eliminate the risk of damp and mould.
* We also use our walk in wardrobe as our do not touch area as it can be shut off and normally get removalist to put items they cannot pack onto a fold out table in the kitchen/family area - so we know what we have left to deal with.. (last move they found a hidden can of flyspray and an open bag of mouldy semi dried apricots my niece had stashed in a safe hiding place..lol)
* We always pack a priority box which I let the kids decorate so it stands out. In it I put: kettle, tea/ coffee, sugar, biscuits, air tight container of snacks, LL milk, Picnic set, and inside/ outside activity for the kids.
*Take all your important documents with you - Birth cert, passports etc... if not taking your computer with you copy all files/info onto a back up in case it gets lost/damaged.
* I also backup Photos on Hard drive, so I have back-up if photos get damaged or take them with us if we have room.
* Make sure your priority box is really the last box to be packed on the truck. It’s supposed to be but often isn’t…and it pretty useless it it’s the last box off the truck in your new location.
* Unpack the kids room first…helps them settle in quicker.
* Moving to a new place can be scary and sad but if you try and look forward to it, be excited by it then that attitude will help your children adjust to the change too.
* Ring and confirm EVERYTHING (motels, transport etc.)
*Pack ALL uniforms!!! If your house falls through and TA is extended over the period the members starts work it always pays to have both blues & DCPU's.
*Anything that belongs to the hose, keys, garage door remotes, paperwork ect put in the oven on prepack and uplift day so they dont get packed.
*Dont forget any of the technology chargers ! Add a few new apps to phones, tablets, ipads, purchase a few new DVDs and books for kids. and dont forget good old Travel bingo! Check our pinterest for lots of travel activities and free printables!
*Check tyres and battery in car(s) and trailer(s)!
Local Information
Late night chemists
Late night supermarkets
location of several servos and supermarkets in the close vicinity to the post-in hotels
differences in road rules
differences in time/shop openings etc
recommendations for drs, dentists, specialists
local sports team lists
swim schools, playgroups and other pre school activities
markets
avoid these drinking establishments
local defence spouse businesses
websites to bookmark for local area activities and specials
Late night supermarkets
location of several servos and supermarkets in the close vicinity to the post-in hotels
differences in road rules
differences in time/shop openings etc
recommendations for drs, dentists, specialists
local sports team lists
swim schools, playgroups and other pre school activities
markets
avoid these drinking establishments
local defence spouse businesses
websites to bookmark for local area activities and specials