Relocation Assistance Program
The RAP Team
Christopher "Chris" Owen
Program Manager - Weapons Station
Eddie Rubero
Program Manager - Air Base
FAQs
PCS moves can be overwhelming—but you’re not doing this alone. We’ve put together answers to common questions about HHG, destination prep, and moving day tips.
👉 Browse our Relocation FAQs
📅 Schedule an Appointment with a Relocation Specialist
Have questions about your PCS move, entitlements, or local resources? Our Relocation Specialists are here to help you plan every step of your transition.
👉Book an Appointment Today
🗳️ Voting Assistance for Military & Overseas Voters
Make your voice heard—no matter where you’re stationed. We provide information and support for registering to vote, requesting absentee ballots, and meeting state deadlines.
👉 Visit FVAP.gov for Voting Resources
Loan Locker
Need basic household items while you wait for your belongings to arrive? Our Loan Locker offers temporary use of essential items like pots, pans, dishes, air mattresses, and more — free of charge for incoming and outgoing service members and families.
Local Resources
Program Overview
The Department of Defense Relocation Assistance Program is a vital initiative designed to support military personnel and their families during the often challenging process of relocating. Recognizing the unique demands of military life, this program offers a comprehensive range of services, including information, counseling, and practical assistance to facilitate smooth transitions between duty stations. Whether it’s navigating housing options, accessing community resources, or addressing educational needs, the program strives to alleviate the stress associated with frequent relocations, ensuring military families can focus on their service commitments with confidence and stability.
JB Charleston Resources
Celebrate a seamless transition to Joint Base Charleston with our Pre-Arrival Orientation workshop! Geared towards ensuring a smooth move for military personnel and their families, this virtual workshop offers invaluable insights into base facilities and the surrounding community. From housing options to local resources, healthcare services to educational opportunities, our orientation equips you with the knowledge needed for a successful relocation. Schedule your Pre-Arrival Orientation today and embark on your new journey with confidence!
Discover the Department of Defense Sponsorship Program, your ultimate guide to seamless relocations! Our program pairs you with a knowledgeable sponsor who will support you every step of the way as you transition to your new duty station. From housing options to local amenities, our sponsors provide invaluable insights and assistance to ensure you and your family feel right at home from day one. Experience a warm welcome and a smooth transition with the Department of Defense Sponsorship Program.
Embark on your journey with confidence through our Newcomer’s Orientation program! Designed to welcome you with open arms to our community, this orientation offers essential insights into your new surroundings. From navigating local resources to connecting with fellow newcomers, our orientation ensures you feel right at home from day one. Join us and discover everything you need to thrive in your new environment. Welcome aboard!
Upcoming Workshops
🧸 Childcare Support During PCS
Make your move a little easier with childcare resources, financial assistance, and priority placement options available to military families.
If childcare isn’t available within 30 days of your Date Care Needed (DCN), you may qualify for up to $500 CONUS / $1,500 OCONUS to cover travel costs for a designated childcare provider.
🔗 Learn More at MCC Central
Eligible families can receive $200 per child, up to $1,000. Accepted providers include base CDCs, FCC homes, and approved off-base daycares.
🔗 Apply Here via AFAS
🔗 Explore AFAS Child Care Programs
A one-stop platform to explore, request, and manage military-approved childcare worldwide.
🔗 Go to MilitaryChildCare.com
🏠 Housing & Financial Resources
Get help understanding your housing entitlements, planning for move-related expenses, and accessing support during your PCS transition.
Estimate your housing allowance based on your new duty station and pay grade.
👉 Use the BAH Calculator
TLE (CONUS) and TLA (OCONUS) help offset the cost of temporary lodging during your PCS move.
👉 Learn more about TLE & TLA
DLA is intended to partially reimburse you for the expenses incurred when relocating your household.
👉 Understand DLA Entitlements
You may be eligible to request advance pay to help cover PCS-related expenses.
👉 Learn about Advance Pay
Access a full suite of PCS checklists, calculators, and planning tools for all branches.
👉 Explore Moving Tools on Military OneSource
Plan, track, and manage your household goods shipment through the official DoD moving portal.
👉 Visit the Household Goods Portal
Includes access to:
Shipment scheduling & tracking
Weight limits & entitlements
Claims assistance and customer service contacts
HEAT allows service members and families to begin the housing process before receiving PCS orders by connecting them with the Housing Office at their new duty station.
👉 Start with HEAT
Each service has its own housing office with info about on-base housing, waitlists, and referrals for off-base options.
👉 Find Your Housing Office
💼 Spouse Employment Continuity
Support for career continuity before, during, and after your PCS move — because your goals matter, too.
SECO offers career coaching, résumé help, education guidance, and job search tools tailored for military spouses.
👉 Explore SECO Services
Eligible spouses can receive up to $4,000 for licenses, certifications, or associate degrees that support portable careers.
👉 Learn About MyCAA
PCS’ing? Use this DoD tool to research licensing requirements and reimbursement info by state.
👉 Check License Transfer Info by State
Each branch offers local employment assistance through its installation support center.
👉 Find Your Local Program (Search your base, then click “Employment” under Services)
Spouses can connect with certified career coaches for help with job applications, interview prep, and resume writing.
👉 Schedule a Session with a Career Coach
JBCMFR Job Board
Check out our Employment Assistance Program page or scan the QR code below to view our Job Board:
🎒 Youth Education & School Transition
Ensure a smooth academic transition for your children with resources designed to support military-connected students.
SLOs help families navigate school enrollment, special education, graduation requirements, and more.
👉 Locate Your School Liaison
Provides consistent school transition policies for military children across all 50 states and D.C.
👉 Explore MIC3 Protections
Offers programs, webinars, and resources to support academic success for military kids.
👉 Visit MCEC
Help your child make connections with other youth before arriving at your new installation.
👉 Ask Your Installation’s Youth Program (Search your base, then click “Child and Youth Programs”)
🧑⚕️ EFMP & Medical Support
Plan ahead for medical continuity and special needs care during your PCS.
EFMP helps identify and coordinate care for family members with medical or educational needs.
👉 Learn About EFMP Across Services
Coordinate ongoing care, prescriptions, and medical equipment needs before your move.
👉 PCS and Medical Continuity Guide
Connect with the gaining installation’s EFMP team to continue services without delay.
👉 Find EFMP Family Support (Search your base, then click “EFMP”)
Learn how to ensure your child’s IEP or 504 Plan is supported after your PCS.
👉 Special Ed & PCS Info – DoDEA
🐾 Pet PCS Planning
Don’t forget your furry family members — plan ahead for pet travel, boarding, and documentation.
Download a step-by-step checklist to help you prepare your pet for a smooth move.
👉 Download the Pet PCS Checklist
Each country has unique quarantine, vaccination, and paperwork requirements — check early.
👉 Review OCONUS Pet Guidelines
Check if your gaining installation offers pet-friendly lodging or local kennel recommendations.
👉 Search Lodging Options
Certain pet shipping costs may be reimbursable for OCONUS PCS.
👉 Review Pet PCS Reimbursement Info
If you’re flying on a military flight (e.g., Patriot Express), the AMC Pet Pamphlet provides detailed guidance on breed restrictions, kennel requirements, booking, and travel tips for your pet.
👉 Download the AMC Pet Pamphlet (PDF) (direct PDF link from AMC’s official travel page)
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