Relocation Assistance
Planning your final move is a critical part of your transition from the military. In this
section you will be given a great deal of information and counseling to assist you with this
planning. Knowing about the basic procedures and your rights is essential to helping you make
informed decisions and ensures your last move will be a smooth one.
Your upcoming relocation is not a normal move; it is your final move out of military
life. Specialists within the Relocation Assistance Program want to make sure that you are
fully prepared for this unique transition.
RAP services include:
- Needs assessment and planning for individuals and families tailored to their personal
circumstances and requirements.
- Extensive automated information on military and civilian communities worldwide can be obtained
through the Military Installations and Plan My Move features of MilitaryHOMEFRONT (http://www.militaryhomefront.dod.mil/). These
features provide research and information, housing directories and services, employment, education,
health and wellness, and family issues available near military installations.
- Help in developing a relocation plan – providing information specifically related to your
unique situation, linking you with special programs, and referring you to other offices that can
provide assistance.
- Workshops and individual sessions on managing relocation stress for all family members,
planning a moving budget, how to buy, sell, and rent smart, settling into a new community, and a
variety of other programs tailored to adults and children.
- Special re-entry services and programs if transitioning from an overseas installation.
A visit to your RAP specialist will help you identify exactly what you need so that you can
ask the right questions as you navigate through the rest of the relocation process. Visit the
Relocation Assistance Program office at your Family Center. RAP staff will make you a “smart
consumer.” They will tell you the questions you need to ask so you can get the most out of
your move.
Family Centers
Family Centers can refer you to offices, programs, and services that may be of assistance as
you prepare to leave the military. Examples include the Relocation Assistance Program (RAP),
the Personal Financial Management Program, Information and Referral, Spouse Employment Assistance
Program, and the Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP).
The term “Family Centers” is used here to refer to the following Service-specific
entities:
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Army: Army Community Service Center
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Air Force: Airman & Family Readiness Center
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Navy: Fleet and Family Support Center
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Marine Corps: Marine and Family Services
Date Last Reviewed: July 2, 2009
