HSWL Regional Practice Seattle
The Coast Guard Relocation Assistance Program was initiated in July 1992. The program helps members and their dependents during the relocation cycle and is available to all CG beneficiaries. The primary goal of the RAP is to assist Coast Guard employees and their families through the relocation cycle. The RAP is a triad of resources dedicated to this effort. The triad consists of Relocation Assistance Managers, Relocation Information Services, and Relocation Assistance Services. Relocation involves moving people -- not just moving things and changing housing. During your transfer you need to consider your requirements for support resources. Completing your transfer includes making connections with resources and services at your new location as well. Services are available to:
Active duty members
Recalled Reservists
Recently separated and retiring members
Civilian members
David Sweeney (206) 217-6615, the Relocation Assistance Manager (RAM) is the cornerstone of the RAP and provides everything you ever wanted to know about PCS transfers, including information on travel pay and allowances, housing, local area information, etc. David provides support for the entire AOR. While he provides some direct service, his primary objectives are to:
Guide the transferee through the relocation
process
Serve as the transferee advocate in obtaining
services
Monitor the quality of services being
delivered
The type of assistance provided by the RAM will vary depending on employee needs. The employee's experience with the relocation process and ultimate destination will dictate the level of assistance necessary. It is incumbent upon the RAMs to use their extensive Coast Guard experience and local knowledge to enhance this basic information so it best serves the needs of each transferee.
The RAM's job has seven major areas of emphasis:
Provide relocation assistance to employees by providing information and referrals based on needs assessments
Oversee relocation related contracts
Mail Welcome Aboard packages
Coordinate efforts with the Unit
Sponsor program
Develop community resource information
Oversee DoD relocation resources and computer based information (SITES) systems
Market the Relocation Assistance program.
Resources
Relocation Assistance Manager: The RAM can provide you with
information on real estate and rental markets, state and local laws, community
information, and spouse employment opportunities.
Personnel Reporting Unit: Your current
Servicing Personnel Office (SPO) will
issue the official orders and start the relocation process. The SPO at your new duty
station completes the cycle.
Transportation Officer: The Transportation Officer (TO) arranges for
transportation of your household goods. The TO also determines your allowances for
transportation.
Family Resource Specialist: The Family Resource Specialist (frs) in your new
location is the primary resource for finding child development resources, child care
providers, elder care, and special needs services.
Legal Assistance Officer: Relocation often presents the need for legal assistance services. Carefully consider if you will need help with power-of-attorney, contract review, or other matters during relocation.
Local Housing Officer: Your Local Housing Officer can inform you of the local housing availability and tell you if you are eligible for leased housing.
Additional computer programs and services are available in the Work-Life office to help with the relocation process but are also available to assist with other trips, both official and personal. Stop by or give David a call.
Click here for some helpful relocation information. Be sure to check out the Relocation Links for more great information.