Relocation Assistance Program Services and Tools
Source: Military Community and Family Policy (MC&FP) Weekly eNewsletter
While moving is always stressful, your stress can be drastically reduced if you take full advantage of the information, education, and personal assistance provided to you by the Relocation Program. This is the place to find answers and get referral to other installation resources as well as assistance with in-transit emergencies. The most important thing you can do to ensure a smooth move is to start planning early using the many Relocation Assistance program services and tools available.
Individual Permanent Change of Station (PCS) Planning. Most relocation programs offer one-on-one consultation for anyone needing assistance. In particular those making their first military move, first overseas move, or those with challenging and complex situations such as special needs family members or financial problems should call the Relocation Program for an appointment.
Loan Closet. Basic household goods items are available to borrow while waiting for your personal property pre-departure or upon arrival. The typical items in stock include: pots and pans, dishes, silverware, irons, ironing boards, port-a-cribs, high chairs, and infant/toddler car seats. Generally, towels and bed linens are not available, so these should be packed in your hold baggage.
Workshops and Briefings. The classes offered vary from installation to installation, but you can generally find classes on buying, selling, and renting smart, budgeting and finance, moving with children, general moving preparation, and many other moving related topics.
Pre-departure Briefings. Sometimes called Smooth Move or PCS Briefings, you and your spouse will want to attend. These briefings provide essential information that can prevent you from making uninformed and costly decisions before your move.
Settling-in Services. These may include welcome wagon services, local area tours with childcare often provided, or basic household items to use until your goods arrive. Overseas arrival services may include introductory language classes and cultural awareness training.
Deployment Support. The Family Center assists unit family readiness groups and Ombudsman programs during the entire deployment cycle. Support includes services for special needs, classes on deployment preparation, managing finances, helping children adjust, family separation, return and reunion, and information on resources available locally and online.
Foreign Born Spouse Support. Whether your question concerns immigration and naturalization, learning the English language, or how to take local transportation, the Relocation Program provides assistance, classes, and referrals.
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