Getting Here

Driving
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.

During winter remember to pack warm gear in case of car trouble so you don't freeze. Beware of changing weather patterns and the force of snowstorms that strand unprepared travelers every year. Also make sure your tires are suitable for winter road conditions. You'll most likely want to get a room at night and enjoy a warm meal.

Regardless of the route or the season, take along enough supplies for an extra day or two just in case. And be warned: Cell phone service is sparse along large sections of highway, as is radio reception.

Crossing the Border
Travel through the Canadian/U.S. borders requires a valid passport. 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 cause you to be prohibited from 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.

Air Travel
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 preapprove 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.

ALASKA DRIVING
Road Rules
Alaska's motor vehicle laws and regulations are subject to change. Consult the Alaska Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) at www.doa.alaska.gov/dmv for current information or consult the Office of the Staff Judge Advocate legal assistant office if you have any questions..

Driver's License
Every person who operates a motor vehicle on Alaska streets, highways or other public property must have a valid Alaska driver's license or permit unless an exemption applies. All drivers are asked to keep their address information current with Alaska DMV. Military personnel, your Alaska non-commercial license is valid while you are active duty and you choose to maintain residency in another state.

U.S. government personnel operating a government vehicle on official business are exempt from the Alaska driver's license requirement.

Civilians in Alaska longer than 90 days must obtain an Alaska driver's license.

If you become a resident of Alaska, you are required to obtain an Alaska license within 30 days.

Vehicle Registration
Every vehicle in Alaska is required to be registered unless specifically exempted by law. There is an exemption for vehicles registered to active duty military members stationed in Alaska on military orders, who remain a resident of another state. Those individuals are not required to register their vehicles in the state of Alaska. However, nonresident, active duty military members may choose to register their vehicle in Alaska. In such cases the nonresident, active duty military member will not be required to pay the Alaska vehicle registration tax but will be required to provide a copy of the member's leave and earning statement (LES) indicating their state of legal residence or a military affidavit. An affidavit form is available on the state's DMV website.

Vehicles registered to nonmilitary members are required to be registered within ten days of becoming gainfully employed in the state or taking 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 title, proof of insurance and a completed application. A non-resident may operate a vehicle registered in another state for up to 60 days.

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, visit the Alaska DMV website.

Winter
Winter roads are a real challenge, so SLOW DOWN. Many drivers forget to adjust for snow-and-ice conditions. As a result, speed and slamming on the brakes 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.

The main gates at forts Wainwright and Greely are open 24 hours/7 days a week. Both installations have a visitor center at their main gates. Additionally, Fort Wainwright's Trainor and Badger gates have limited hours. The Richardson Highway gate is closed. Upon arrival at forts Wainwright and Greely, Soldiers must sign in at the Welcome Center.

At Fort Wainwright, Soldiers sign in at Building 3401 and during duty hours (Monday through Friday 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.) report to the Military Personnel Division (MPD) front desk. The Replacement Detachment Staff Duty and Welcome Desk is open 24 hours a day. After-hours and holidays report to Building 3419 Rhineland Avenue. If you arrive in Fairbanks by air or are uncertain where to report, you should call the Welcome Center at (907) 353-2273, 24 hours a day. At Fort Greely, go to Building 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 coldweather 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 Building 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.

lodging
Reservation Information
To make reservations at Fort Wainwright, call (907) 353- 3800. Or call Army Central Reservations at (800) GOARMY1 for either installation. To make reservations at Fort Greely, call (907) 873-4311.

Reservation Policy
Reservation service is available 24 hours a day. Reservations are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis. Please call at the earliest possible eligibility for the best chance at confirming your reservation.

Official Visitors
Official visitors are military, Department of Defense civilian employees, contractors and guests of the command on letters of authorization or TDY, PCS, annual training or other orders. There are other types of official guests, too, so if you are unsure, please call for clarification. Official visitors may make reservations 180 days in advance of check-in.

Unofficial Visitors
Unofficial visitors are usually military and family members not on orders, retirees, hospital visitors (unless on orders) and guests of permanent party. There are other types of unofficial visitors, too, so if you are unsure, please call for clarification. For unofficial reservations from June 1 to Aug. 31, call three days in advance of check-in date. For reservations from Sept. 1 to May 31: call 14 days in advance of check-in date.

Guaranteed Reservations
When making a reservation with a credit card, you can guarantee it for a late arrival after 6 p.m. Your card will only be charged if you do not arrive or cancel your reservation by 6 p.m. the day of your scheduled arrival date.

Non-Guaranteed Reservations
Non-guaranteed reservations are cancelled daily at 6 p.m.

Walk-Ins
Walk-ins are welcome, especially when space is available. A good time to call to check for same-day space in the peak season is 6 p.m., when non-guaranteed reservations are cancelled.

Check In, Check Out
Check-in is after 3 p.m. Check-out is 11 a.m. Exceptions to check-out time can be coordinated with the front desk when occupancy allows. A charge for late check-out may be added to your account.

Rates
Rates are subject to change. Please contact the reservation desk for current charges. A variety of payment types are accepted including cash, checks, money orders and credit cards.

Guest Services
The Front Office is available 24 hours daily to assist with your requests. From reservations to maintenance requests to accepting payments for other Alaskan Army Lodging organizations to providing transportation (if equipment and personnel are available), we will be glad to do it.

Other Services
• Continental breakfast is provided daily. Operating hours are posted in each building (with the exception of Fort Greely).
• Convenience sundry sales are available at front desks.
• Daily custodial service is provided.
• Message service; automated guest room voicemail is provided. We will also gladly relay messages manually as requested.
• Storage is available through coordination with the front office (with exception of Fort Greely).
• Telephone service is provided through the on-post military system. You can make local, toll-free and DSN calls at no charge. You can use a calling card to make long-distance calls.
• Fax and copier services are available for official government business and for a fee for unofficial business.
• Newspaper machines are at a variety of locations on each post.
• ATMs are at a variety of locations on each post.
• Facilities for people with disabilities are available at Fort Wainwright.
• Limited pet rooms are available to guests who meet policy parameters. There is a limit of two pets per room, and additional fees and deposits are associated with pets/pet rooms (with the exception of Fort Greely).
• A guest laundry is available in each lodging building. Soap vending machines are available.
• Beverage vending and ice machines are located in most buildings.
• In-room amenities include clean, comfortable furnishings; cable television; hair dryer; microwave; small refrigerator; iron and ironing board; guest safe; coffee service; and limited personal convenience items. In-room kitchens are available at Fort Wainwright.
• Items such as bed-boards, movies, games, cribs, rollaway beds and sofa sleepers are available upon request.  read more...

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