TMO, helping you get from point A to point B

  • Published
  • By Airman Collin Schmidt
  • 341st Missile Wing Public Affairs
MALMSTROM AIR FORCE BASE, Mont. --  The Traffic Management Office operates year long, working to make sure military members and their families have a smooth transition from one duty station to another. For military members, TMO should be one of their first stops as they complete an out-processing checklist during a transition to another duty station or their first home after military service.

"We're the ones that people will want to come to as soon as they get orders," said Staff Sgt. Denise Schmidt, 341st Logistics Readiness Squadron NCO in charge of passenger travel. "Wherever they are transitioning to, they will probably want to have their household goods sent quickly as well.

"One of the main things we need is a person's orders so we can get the process started as quickly as possible," she continued. "It makes it a lot smoother for the member and for us as well so we can get the carriers lined up in a timely manner."

The minimum time needed to facilitate a smooth transition is 21 duty days, according to TMO staff. With this timeframe, all carriers can be contacted and plans can be put in place to make sure the right items are sent to the right place.

"The first step in the process is the member will come in with their orders," said Schmidt. "From there, we will help them set up an account with the new Move.mil website. As long as the member has orders they will be able to log on and set up a user identification and password.

"Once a profile is set up, they can put in all the information needed for the carriers to come and pick up their non-accompanied baggage and household goods," she continued.

Sometimes though, people receive orders later than expected. For those who get orders late, they can get a power of attorney to sign to release their shipment.

Two additional options include a personally procured move or to contract a carry out. With the PPM, the member can pack everything themselves and move it. After successful completion of the move they will be reimbursed.

With a contract carry out, the individual contacts a local moving company downtown and has them move their items. After the transfer, reimbursement is paid just as if they had moved everything themselves.

"The best part of this job is that we get to help people get things done," said Airman 1st Class JoAn Galaang, 341st LRS TMO counselor. "You also get to see yourself improve from day to day as you interact with customers, which is one of the things I appreciate the most."