Planning Your Military Move

Your PCS orders are on their way...and so are you.

Military relocation can be stressful even if you've moved every two years since you joined the military. But proper planning can ensure this move will be a positive journey for your entire military family.

Meet with the transportation office at your military installation. They're busy, so making an appointment is mandatory. Call early; you might even get the moving company with the best reputation.

Contact the military family center at your duty location. The family center offers a Relocation Assistance Program (RAP) that provides moving information to all military families. The RAP rep can answer your questions and if not, you can count on the family center's Standard Installation Topic Exchange Service (SITES).

Surf and learn. Visit SITES (www.dmdc.osd.mil/sites) for information about military installations all around the world, including housing, schools, healthcare and employment. Other online resources like the Department of Defense website (www.defenselink.mil) are good sources of moving information. Each of the service branches has its own website, and perhaps your new duty station has its own site as well.

Notify your government housing office of your move date. Contact them for instructions on clearing quarters.

Visit the finance office at your current duty station. Ask about special relocation entitlements that will help cover both your major and minor military moving expenses.

The successful PCS plan begins early, as soon as you hear about your PCS orders. Even the most seasoned military service member can feel a little stressed during a PCS. Take the time to take advantage of the resources provided by the military to help you keep things moving smoothly.

And relax. This move represents another step forward in your successful military career.