- Eligibility Criteria For Military Sponsored Moves
- The Process Of Requesting Military Relocation Assistance

The military typically takes care of packing and shipping your belongings in crates to your designated location. Additionally, if required, some of your household goods can be stored stateside until your return.
The Relocation Assistance Program plays a pivotal role in the U.S. military, ensuring soldiers and their families face reduced stress during their frequent relocations. Military members often undergo regular station changes and unexpected moves. This program provides the necessary support, ranging from pre-move planning to post-move settlement. Whether it's about finding a new home, school, or understanding the new environment, this program ensures a smoother transition, allowing military personnel to concentrate on their responsibilities.
Eligibility Criteria for Military Sponsored Moves
In the realm of the U.S. Military, full-time active duty service members are eligible for relocation assistance. This extends to members from all branches of the military including Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, and Coast Guard. Simultaneously, Guard and Reserve members activated for extended periods are similarly qualified. Other eligible parties encompass civilian employees that are being relocated by their Military Department and wounded soldiers undergoing treatment or rehabilitation.

However, it is crucial to underscore that not all service members are granted the same relocation benefits. The benefits vary largely based on factors such as rank and matrimonial status. That being the case, service members who are unmarried and live on-base may usually have their property packed and transported to their new location by the military itself. On the other hand, those who are in the ranks of E-6 and above, have families, or are civilians might receive allowances to cover the costs of relocating, house hunting, temporary housing, and other similar costs related to the move.
The Process of Requesting Military Relocation Assistance
Firstly, it's important to understand that the request for military relocation assistance begins with receiving your orders to relocate. Once that happens, you’ll need to make an appointment with the local transportation office, or Personal Property Shipping Office (PPSO). This office is the guiding authority when it comes to military relocations. The personnel there will provide you all the necessary details and policies related to your move.
Afterwards, a 'move counseling session' would be scheduled. It is a session to educate personnel in the process of government and Do-It-Yourself (DITY) moves. Here, one learns about their rights and responsibilities during relocations and the various programs available in this regard. The knowledge garnered during this session empowers military personnel to have a more efficient and less stressful moving experience.

Frequently Asked Questions
While the military covers many expenses associated with a move, there may be some costs that are not covered. These can include certain types of personal items, pet transportation, or expenses incurred if you choose to move before your official orders. It's important to consult with the transportation office or your personnel office to understand what is and isn't covered.
The program provides various services, including financial counseling, help with housing and moving logistics, and resources to help families adjust to a new location. It is designed to make the moving process as smooth and stress-free as possible for military families.
The process may vary depending on the specific branch of the military. Generally, it involves notifying your commanding officer or your personnel office about your orders to move. They can guide you on the next steps, which usually include contacting the transportation office to arrange for the move and potentially completing a required move counseling session.
All active-duty service members in all branches of the military, including the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, and Coast Guard, are typically eligible for military-sponsored moves. The military will also often cover the cost of moving immediate family members and household goods.
The Army's Relocation Assistance Program is a support service offered by the military to help service members and their families with the moving process in the event of a relocation due to military orders.