Newcomers

ARMY PERSONNEL

ATTENTION NEWCOMERS!!!

Mission:  

IRC facilitates ongoing installation onboarding of Soldiers and Families arriving to Joint Base Lewis-McChord (JBLM), maintains personnel, sustainment, billeting, and essential personnel services to enable a seamless transition from their losing installation to JBLM.

Commander’s intent: 

To welcome and assist new JBLM Soldiers and their Families. The IRC Guardians:

• Provide capability to sign in from PCS travel
• Facilitate Soldiers through installation in-processing activities
• Orient Soldiers to JBLM standards
• Provide administrative support to inbound Soldiers
• Create a positive, welcoming in-processing experience to inbound Soldier and their Families

5-Day In-Processing:

The in-processing schedule is designed to minimize the waste of Soldiers’ time. Every in-processing Soldier will start immediately pending pre-existing PTDY approved by the losing unit.  The week is a five-day fixed schedule.

Reporting to JBLM

Access Control & Gate Hours

JBLM Temporary Lodging

Click here for on base lodging amenities.

JBLM Off Base Temporary Lodging

For a list of extended stay and lodging options in the JBLM area that offer service members special rates, please email JBLM HSO.  Options provided will include hotels offering special extended stay rates and rental homes that can be rented on a short-term basis.  For rental properties that offer leases of three months or longer, please contact the HSO via email or by phone at 253-967-3581.

JBLM On Base Housing

Click here for on base housing services.

Military Kids

JBLM School Support Serices provides school-aged youth with educational opportunities, resources and information necessary to achieve academic success. A branch of Child & Youth Services, School Support Services features School Liaison Officers, who help schools, installations and Families work together for student achievement. (Click here for School Support Services Website)

JBLM Sponsorship Process

JBLM SPONSORSHIP PROCESS

Prior to Arrival on JBLM:

1. Service Member (SM) receives assignment instructions to JBLM
   • Orders direct SM to JBLM newcomer’s website for sponsorship information
2. JBLM MPD verifies assignment instructions
3. JBLM MPD notifies IRC and gaining unit of current inbound SM
4. Unit Sponsorship coordinator/leadership assigns sponsor or defers sponsor assignment until SM’s arrival on JBLM
5. Inbound SM directs RFIs or questions to IRC via phone/ email address listed on JBLM newcomer’s website at https://home.army.mil/lewis-mcchord/about/Directorates-support-offices/dhr/mpd/inprocessing
   • IRC Sponsorship Cadre, Unit Sponsorship Coordinator/ Sponsor, or JBLM Agencies provide responses to RFIs

SM Arrival at JBLM:

1. SM is added to daily in-processing and sponsorship rosters
2. IRC provides daily in-processing rosters to gaining units 
3.  Unit Sponsorship Coordinators assign inbound SM a unit sponsor 
4.  Unit Sponsorship Coordinator/ Sponsor conduct face to face meeting with inbound SM NLT in-processing Day 2 
5.  Unit Sponsorship Coordinator/ Sponsor will pick up sponsored SM on Day 3 after they complete all in-processing requirements.

Installation Reception Center (IRC) will ensure sponsorship success by:

• Maintaining a 24/7 Reception Desk and phoneline to provide accurate guidance to all reception related RFIs from newcomers
• Maintain and monitor IRC newcomer’s email inbox and provide responses to inquires form inbound personnel
• Assist inbound Soldiers with questions, concerns, or contact information for gaining unit or JBLM agencies or activities 
• Provide daily reports to gaining units with Soldiers’ arrival information and in-processing status
• Account for all Soldiers throughout their time at IRC
• Ensure inbound SMs are available during Day 2 for unit face to face meeting

Brigade, Battalion, and Company Commanders will ensure sponsorship success by:

• Appoint a Sponsorship liaison to coordinate with the IRC, verify sponsors, and monitor the sponsorship program in their unit
• Ensure procedures are established to monitor and track both the quality and quantity of sponsorship in the unit.
• Ensure Sponsors and sponsored Soldiers have adequate time away from assigned duties to perform sponsorship duties and complete in-processing as appropriate.
• Provide sponsors and unit sponsorship liaisons with adequate resources to accomplish sponsorship duties.
• Ensure families are integrated into the unit and community by using Soldier Family Readiness Groups (SFRG) and other community resources.

Sponsorship Flow Process

Welcome Packet

Click here to download JBLM IRC Welcome Packet

JBLM Self-Guided Tour

This tool will serve as a "self-guided" Tour of the installation, orienting you and your family throughout JBLM and highlighting all its resources.

Scan the QR code next to each tour stop for directions and orientation for the area.

Scan the QR code below to access the virtual audio tour.

Weekly Schedule (POI)

Click here to download IRC Program of Instruction (POI)

JBLM Newcomers Orientation

Your Unit Contact Roster

FAQ's

I Corps Blue Book

Click here to download I Corps Blue Book

Plan My Move

Plan My Move creates a custom checklist for your move, filled with information about the tasks you need to complete and how to complete them. Your checklist is tailored to the unique needs that you or your family have. (Click here for Plan My Move Website)

24/7 SHARP-EO-Chaplain

Courage C.A.R.E.S

Courage C.A.R.E.S are designed to help Soldiers and family members develop skills that will improve their lives and may help prevent instances of family violence. (Click here for Courage C.A.R.E.S Website)

Firearms Registration & Info

Click here for Firearms Registration & Information

Additional Services From A to Z

Team McChord Newcomers

Newcomers is held on the last Friday of every month, excluding holidays, family days, etc., at the Chapel Support Center from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. and is a mandatory in-processing requirement for all new arrivals to McChord, including First-Term Enlisted Airmen and Officers. Inbound personnel should contact their CSS to register.