Background

The Military Relocation Assistance Program was created by Public Law 101-189 (1988) and is implemented by DoD Instruction 1338.19, “Relocation Assistance Programs.” Congress determined to provide the same benefits to activity duty families as were available to federal civilian employees through the Federal Employee Relocation Program (Public Law 98-151). The Congressional Budget Office found the cost of a similar relocation program too high and the uniformed program was reduced to the current requirements of the Public Law 101-189. The Program envisioned and enacted by the law provides service and family members with education and information pre-departure to prepare them to move in a cost effective and efficient manner. The goal was to educate individuals/families about their new location, help them make wise decisions, and get settled quickly, preventing stressors on the family and increasing productivity. Relocation is an encompassing program that crosses multiple facets of Military Community and Family Policy to include personal financial management, special needs, child care, spouse employment, education, and family advocacy.

Key Points

• Worldwide staffing from Headquarters to the field exceeds 1,000 individuals.
• At least one, and usually more, personnel are assigned to the relocation function in the Family Centers.
• There is one headquarters program manager per Service except Air Force and Marine Corps, which have Deputy Program Managers.
• Common program elements include the following and vary by Service:
  • Automated Relocation Information System (MilitaryINSTALLATIONS and Plan My Move) fulfilled by the field and supported by the Office of the Secretary of Defense
  • sponsorship training
  • loan closets
  • one-on-one counseling performed at the installation level by "trained” counselors
  • workshops and briefings provided for in and out processing, and classes on topics such as how to buy, sell, and rent smart; moving and money; settling in to a new location; cultural adaptation; reentry; moving with children; and spouse employment and moving
  • citizenship and immigration services
  • installation videos where available
  • welcome packages

Eligibility

All active duty, Guard, and Reserve service members and their immediate family members, DoD civilians, and retired personnel are eligible to receive relocation assistance services.

Availability