The information can be read on screen or printed out, he added. The data bank is also hooked into an online system that allows for the transfer of electronic messages. That's where the Army Sponsorship Program comes in. Both soldiers and civilian employees can request a sponsor, said Shirley Brown, sponsorship program manager. Sponsors are supposed to be in a grade equal to or higher than the relocating person, of the same gender and marital status, and in the same military career field or civilian occupational series, said Brown.
Sponsors can arrange for temporary housing.
They can make arrangements to meet newcomers at the arrival point. They can even assist with inprocessing. Sponsorship is not automatic, said Brown. Relocating soldiers and employees must complete DA Form 5434, the Sponsorship Program Counseling and Information Sheet. A sponsor is appointed unless declined on the Form 5434.