Course Catalog / BMU 105 / Lesson 3 of 5

BMU 105

Halfway review

1. Who registers you in DEERS?

See the answer

Your sponsor.

2. How long do you have to enroll in TRICARE after marriage?

See the answer

90 days.

3. Is dental part of your health plan enrollment?

See the answer

No. It is separate.

Why this matters

You do not have to figure out military life alone. There are free offices built for families like yours.

This lesson shows you the two main ones: Military OneSource, which you can call any time, and the family center on your base.

Start with what you already do

You already know who to call for some things, like a doctor or a landlord.

Common belief: Base support offices are only for service members.

What is actually true: Military OneSource says spouses of active duty, Guard, and reserve members can use its services. Family centers serve families too.

Key words

Military OneSource

A free, private support line and website for military families, open 24/7.

family center

The base office for family support. Each branch has its own name for it.

PFM

Personal financial manager. A free money coach, often at the family center.

Military OneSource

Call 800 342 9647 or use live chat. Military OneSource says it is free, private, and open 24/7. It can help with moving, money and taxes, counseling, and careers. Its Community Resource Finder lists free or low cost services near you.

Your base family center

MilitaryConsumer.gov says free money coaches, called PFMs, are usually at these centers. Your base legal assistance office may also give free legal help.

Text version of this figure

Who to call. Match the need to the office.

1. Step 1, ID card or DEERS: RAPIDS ID card office.
2. Step 2, Health plan: Your TRICARE regional contractor.
3. Step 3, Money, moving, or questions: Military OneSource or your family center.
4. Step 4, Legal papers: The base legal assistance office.
5. Crisis: Dial 988, then press 1. In danger, call 911.

Source: Military OneSource; MilitaryConsumer.gov (Oct 29, 2026).

Worked example: Jade's first call

Jade's husband is in the Navy. They just moved to a new base, and she feels lost.

1. She calls Military OneSource and asks what help exists near her.
2. They point her to the Fleet and Family Support Center on base.
3. She visits and signs up for a free money class with a PFM.
4. She adds both numbers to her sheet.

Jade is a made up example.

Practice: Match the need

1. Your car loan payment is due and you are short this month.
2. You need a power of attorney before your spouse deploys.
3. It is 11 p.m. and you want to talk to a counselor.
4. Your ID card has the wrong last name.

Write the office you would call for each one.

Check your practice: feedback

1. A PFM at your family center, for a free budget plan. Military OneSource can help too.
2. The base legal assistance office.
3. Military OneSource, open 24/7. In a crisis, dial 988, then press 1.
4. The RAPIDS ID card office, after DEERS is updated.

Common mistakes

• Thinking help is only for the service member. Spouses can use these offices.
• Paying for help that is free. Check Military OneSource and the family center first.
• Waiting for a crisis to learn the numbers. Save them now.

Check your understanding

Take it as many times as you like. Pick an answer, then open the feedback.

1. Lee is an Army spouse. Which short name is her base family center?

1. ACS
2. FFSC
3. MCCS

See the answer and feedback

A is correct. Yes. ACS is the Army family center.

B: That is the Navy name. Review Your base family center.

C: That is the Marine Corps name. Review Your base family center.

2. Kim needs help at 2 a.m. with a question about moving. Who can she call?

1. Her sponsor's unit
2. Military OneSource
3. The base ID card office

See the answer and feedback

B is correct. Yes. It is open 24/7.

A: Try the free line first. Review Military OneSource.

C: ID offices keep business hours. Military OneSource answers 24/7. Review Military OneSource.

3. Where is a free money coach often found?

1. At the ID card office
2. At the transportation office
3. At the family center

See the answer and feedback

C is correct. Yes. PFMs are usually there.

A: That office handles ID cards. Review Your base family center.

B: That office handles moves. Review Your base family center.

Next up

Next you will get ready for your first move. Go to Lesson 4: Your first PCS.

Stuck or have a question? Ask BMU Learner Support.

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