Smooth Move Workshop promotes seamless transition

Photo By Cpl. Jovane Holland | All service members departing from Okinawa are required to attend the Smooth Move Workshop, a seminar developed to provide information and resources to those headed for a new duty station. The workshop gives participants an opportunity to plan ahead for their upcoming move, saving time and money.  

OKINAWA, OKINAWA, JAPAN

06.09.2011

Story by Cpl. Jovane Holland 

III Marine Expeditionary Force   

OKINAWA, Japan - The process of packing up and checking out can be a huge source of confusion and stress for service members and families when approaching their permanent change of station or end of active service dates.

To combat the frustration that can accompany moving from overseas, service members stationed on Okinawa are required to attend the Smooth Move Workshop at least 60 days prior to leaving the island. The workshop is geared to provide information and resources to those departing their current duty station.

The Smooth Move workshop was instituted as a solution to service members who struggle with balancing the various aspects of the check-out process.

“In the past, many service members were leaving uninformed about facets of their relocation, from per diem entitlements to what they were allowed to bring with them,” said Lashawna Roe, an Operational Readiness Support Program assistant in the relocation department of the Personal Services Center at Camp Foster. “This workshop offers an all-in-one stop for information covering all aspects of the moving process.”

The Smooth Move Workshop is offered every Monday on a different Marine Corps base to ensure all personnel have the opportunity to attend in a timely manner.

During the class, a variety of speakers provide pre-departure and destination information to include: financial preparation, moving tips, relocation and travel entitlements, and base and community referral assistance.

“Tracking can be time-consuming when it comes to preparing yourself and your belongings for a big move,” said Roe. “Smooth Move places representatives from all the necessary agencies and offices in one place so service members can inquire and receive detailed answers more easily.”

For Lance Cpl. Joshua Powell, a legal administration clerk with 3rd Medical Battalion, Combat Logistics Regiment 35, 3rd Marine Logistics Group, III Marine Expeditionary Force, Smooth Move provided a simple, clear and concise solution to a seemingly daunting task.

“When I found out everything I had to do to properly check out, I thought I was going to be overwhelmed with finding everything and everybody I needed to make contact with,” said Powell, who recently attended the workshop. “I ended up being able to hear from almost every agency I had to check out with, which was extremely helpful.”

The key to a smooth move is asking questions and planning ahead, said Roe.

“Taking the initiative to plan the details of your move beforehand can save both time and money,” said Roe. “Smooth Move provides the tools service members and their families need to be successful.”

For more information on the Smooth Move Workshop, contact 645-8395.

• Date Taken: 06.09.2011
• Date Posted: 06.08.2011 18:48
• Story ID: 71797
• Location: OKINAWA, OKINAWA, JP