The Coast Guard Relocation Assistance Program assists active, duty, recalled reserve, recently separated and retired personnel, civilian members and their families during the relocation cycle.  The Base Portsmouth WorkLife office can help you take charge of planning your next move.  The Relocation Assistance Program (RAP) can help you with information that will assist you as you navigate your way to a smooth move.  We can help you identify exactly what you need, so that you can ask the right questions and make the right decisions at the right time.  The RAP is one of the many programs available through the WorkLife offices.  Our primary goal is to assist military employees and their families relocate to their new area.  Initiated in July 1992, the Program helps the following during the relocation cycle:

• Active Duty members and family
• Recalled Reservists
• Retired members and family
• Civilian employees

The primary function of the TRM is to provide information, referrals, and sponsorship guidance.  While the TRM does provide some direct service, their primary object is to:

• Provide a standard "electronic" relocation packet
• Guide the transferee through the relocation process
• Monitor the quality of services being delivered
• Spousal Employment and Transition Assistance

7 Major Areas of Emphasis:

1. Provide relocation assistance to transferees by providing information, referrals and standardized relocation packets   
2. Assist Commands in getting up to date on the Sponsorship Program    
3. Develop community resources and standardized relocation information   
4. Develop and market Spousal Employee Program    
5. Provide information on Job fairs

Other Resources:

• Gaining Unit:  The gaining unit is one of the best sources for unit and local information.  If you do not have a sponsor yet, request one!
• Servicing Personnel Office (SPO):  Your current SPO will issue the official orders and start the relocation process
• Transportation Officer (TO):  The TO arranges for transportation of your household goods.  The TO also determines your allowances for transportation
• Legal Assistance Office:  Carefully consider if you will need help with power-of-attorney contract review, or other legal matters during relocation
• Local Housing Office:  The Local Housing Office can inform you of local housing availability including government-owned and leased housing
• http://www.greatschools.net/  GreatSchools is a national, independent nonprofit organization committed to helping parents choose schools, support your children's education and improve schools in your community
• http://www.ahrn.com/  The Automated Housing Referral Network (AHRN.com) is sponsored by the Department of Defense and is designed to improve the process of securing available housing for relocating military members and their families
• http://www.militarybyowner.com/  Your one stop source for advertising your home For Sale by Owner or For Rent near Military Installations.  Use  the power of your military network and the web to help you find, sell or rent your next home

The Transition Assistance Program is intended to provide information and assistance to all separating and retiring members to help them make an effective transition from military to civilian life.  Our goal is to ensure that separating members are aware of, and have access to, the numerous programs and services available to assist them in the transition process.

All transitioning Coast Guard members are required to attend a Preseparation Counseling prior to departing the Coast Guard.  In addition, the Coast Guard's Preseparation Instruction provides information on the various services and benefits available to separating Coast Guard members and their families.

Throughout their transition, Coast Guard members, and their family members have free access to trained WorkLife managers who can help them to modify their individual transition plan, secure necessary services, or just resolve problems.  The WorkLife Center remains their guide through this anxious transition period.

PRE-SEPARATION COUNSELING

Congress has directed (through Public Law 102-484, National Defense Authorization Act, 1995) that all service members separating from active duty receive preseparation counseling not later than 90 days prior to separation.  Admin offices at your command will go over the Preseparation worksheet with you before separating.  To ensure that you receive proper counseling, you will be required to complete DD Form 2648, "Preseparation Counseling Checklist", which becomes a permanent part of your personnel record upon completion.

 For TGPS sign-up information, contact Ms. Jeanett Torrens

To better assist in the planning for your retirement from the US Coast Guard, the following document has been created to help you prepare for your retirement by providing timeline suggestions up to two years prior to your separation.

"Things To Do Prior To Your Retirement"