Jules Xavier

Shilo Stag

For the neophyte receiving their first posting season message, there’s plenty to do before you depart CFB Shilo and your next CAF destination.

So we reached out to Base Supply officer Lt Peter Nadasdy to ask him for advice which we could share with those preparing for an inaugural posting to another Base/Wing, or for the veteran military member who needed a refresher.

Here’s advice from Lt Nadasdy based on our questions:

Shilo Stag (SS): I just received my posting message, what is the first thing I need to do?

Lt Peter Nadasdy (PN): “Get started logging into BGRS. Complete form DND 4443 as best as you can — found on the forms catalog or BGRS. Once all that is done, contact F&E section to proceed with your move process.”

SS: What advice do you have for a first timer to make this transition simple for myself, and family?

PN: “Contact F&E section as early as possible to start the process. Most questions you may have will be answered at this time. If you think of more questions after speaking with F&E section reach out by phone, e-mail or in-person. Ensure your residence is clean to the best of your ability. If not, it can cause major delays to your move process. During your brief with F&E section pay close attention to all points and ask questions about anything you do not understand.”

SS: What are some of the processes I need to be aware of when it comes to posting season?

PN: “Be aware of storage rules and entitlements. Be aware of inadmissible items from both military and the van line. Read through information packages from both military and [your] van line. Be aware that during posting season it is not always possible to get the load date you have requested. ‘Be flexible.’”

SS: What are some of the challenges I might discover in going through the posting season process?

PN: “There is a possibility of your furniture and effects arriving after the expected date. Be patient. It will arrive when it arrives. Unfortunately, accidents happen and sometimes items do get damaged. If this happens all claims are handled by yourself and the van line.

SS: What do I need to do when it comes to my residence on Base here and all my possessions?

PN: “Once you have spoken to F&E and have handed in all paperwork, we take care of booking the moving company for your requested dates. Once your move is booked the chosen van line will contact you to arrange for a pre-move survey. During this time you will receive the van line’s information package. Read it carefully as there is a lot of very important information. The next step is the chosen van line will arrive at your residence and pack all of your items. This is known as your ‘pack’ day. Normally, the following day the van line will return and load all of your items onto the truck. This is known as your ‘load’ day. If at any point during any of these stages you do not understand something or need clarification, reach out to F&E section.”

SS: Who should I reach out to during the move process to keep informed on the status of my furniture and effects?

PD: “Once your furniture and effects have been packed and loaded we take a bit of a back seat to the process and your destination F&E office takes control. Even though we are not fully involved at that point, we will still assist the member as best as we can. Once you arrive in the area of your new posting contact the F&E office there for further direction.”

SS: What are some of the rules I need to know when it comes to the CAF’s posting season?

PS: “Be aware of admissible/inadmissible items from both the CAF and the van line. They are all contained in the information packages you will receive. If you have requested a new RFD we require the e-mail traffic stating the approval.”

SS: Finally, what is the best piece of advice you can give when it comes to posting season?

PD: “Keep all receipts. Read everything before you sign it … [and] if something seems off or you are unsure of anything during the entire process, contact F&E section immediately.”

For further information contact F&E section contacts Cpl Derek Picklyk and MCpl Jared Potvin via their Forces e-mail addresses: derek.picklyk@forces.gc.ca or jared.potvin@forces.gc.ca

They can also be reached by phone at 204-765-3000 ext 3223 or ext 3029.

With the advent of summer, with school out until fall, the Base becomes a hive of activity as moving van companies arrive to load or unload homes in the Q Patch. Drive with care if you come across a moving van parked in front of a home, with movers going in and out of their trucks. Photos Jules Xavier/Shilo Stag