Relocation program makes PCS moves easy

Marine Corps Installations East
Story by Lance Cpl. Ryan Joyner

Date: 05.14.2012
Posted: 05.14.2012 10:47
News ID: 88397

CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C. — The Relocation Assistance Program is a mission essential program that supports military members and their families during a permanent change of station move.

It tries to reduce the stress related to frequent relocations, and services are structured to make the relocation process as smooth as possible.

RAP provides several different resources to those who are relocating such as one-on-one counseling and planning and different classes ranging from home buying and renting to moving outside the continental United States, according to Kathy Peterpaul, RAP specialist.

“More often it is the non-active duty spouses that suffer from anxiety and stress about the move so the relocation staff also provides non-clinical counseling to active duty members and their spouses,” said Peterpaul.

The RAP has both pre-departure and pre-arrival services available for Marines and their families to utilize.

The RAP has a sponsorship program that assists in getting Marines and family members a sponsor from their new duty station to assist with relocation and reduce stress and anxiety of a move, said Peterpaul.

It also has a resource library with military relocation books, brochures, preparation tips for moving and relocating pets, military installations files and all the information someone would need to move.

“The RAP has been proven to save money for the member by teaching them about the entire PCS process and making them aware of all the PCS and travel money entitlements,” said Peterpaul.

After Marines and their families arrive at their new duty station the RAP continues to make the relocation process go smoothly.

There are Welcome Aboard briefs that provide information about their new duty stations, resources and programs available to them.

If Marines and their families are in need of household goods they can use the RAP’s loan locker. The loan locker provides household items for Marines and their families to borrow free-of-charge while awaiting the arrival of their goods or after they have been shipped to their new duty station.

“The RAP is a great resource for base and area information for anyone new to the installation and community and for anyone preparing to leave the installation,” said Peterpaul.

The program has made the transition to a new duty station smoother. It is set up to make the process pain-free and easy for the new Marine to transition to their new duty station.

For more information, RAP is located in building AS-232 and is open Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and Peterpaul can be contacted at 910-449-5258.