Handling military moves can be one of the most stressful forms of individual moves that a move coordinator will be faced with. It is also one of the reasons while the vast majority of moving companies have specially one agent who handles only military moves and nothing else. If you are a military move coordinator, here are some bits of advice to keep your head in the game and handle the move with ease and confidence.
To start, it is important to maintain your composure when you are dealing with whomever is in charge of the moves on the base. When I was working as an international moving coordinator, I was assigned to handle military moves for the regular coordinator while she was on her vacation. She trained me well, showed me how to formally type up the paperwork and noted the importance of staying in touch with the base. She did not however, prepare me for that initial contact with the military sergeant who virtually put me into a corner simply by tone of voice. It important to note here, that these people are not out to use scare-tactics against you, or treat you in a belittling way. They are simply doing their job, in the way (and tones) that know best.
The most important thing to remember in terms of military moves, are paperwork. If you miss even a single line or mark, you can lose the contract entirely. There is no room for mistakes regarding military moves. When you have your file in front of you and are typing up the forms, be sure to go back and double check your work before sending them down to dispatch. If you have any questions be sure to call whomever is in charge at the base to get clear and concise directions. As previously stated, one tiny error can cost you the job or worse, the entire contract with that particular base.
Remember they are members of our nation’s military. Always be polite, respectful, and listen to commands, basically as you would do in the military. Although I thought that sergeant was talking down on me, and after understanding the differences in our world, my tone and demeanor changed as well. I felt less defensive and he eventually gained a great respect for myself as well. He actually asked to work specifically with me for future moves, even though that was not my area of expertise.
Keep in mind that practice makes perfect in terms of military moves. There is a great amount of pressure involved. If you are placed in charge of military moves, I recommend taking prior military files, and practicing (and re-practicing) typing up the paperwork, and allowing your supervisor to review your work. It is always better to practice and ensure that you know all the in’s and out’s of military moves, and whenever in doubt, always ask questions!
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