MCLB Barstow  Military and Family Support Center

If you are approaching a permanent change of station, or PCS, you may have questions about your upcoming move. As part of the Military and Family Support Center, the Relocation Assistance Program provides services and resources to help make this transition as smooth as possible. Below is a list of resources.

• PCS planning – Most relocation assistance programs offer counseling/consultations to assist in the moving process. Those making their first military move, those making their first overseas move or those with challenging or complex situations should contact their installation Relocation Assistance Program office as soon as possible for information and assistance.
• Plan My Move is an online tool that helps break the moving process down into clear, manageable steps for all family members. This Department of Defense relocation tool provides details about housing, transportation, finances, family and more.
• Military OneSource offers a variety of moving information and resources. Learn more about PCS basics and download this fact sheet 7 Steps to Make Your Household Goods Move a Smart Move.
• Loan Closet – Loan Closet offers basic household goods while your personal property is in transit. Typical items include pots and pans, dishes, silverware, irons, ironing boards and infant or toddler car seats. Generally, towels and bed linens are not available, so these should be packed in your express shipment. This service varies by service and installation.
• Workshops and briefings – Workshops vary from installation to installation, but you may find classes on housing options, moving with children, moving with pets or general moving preparation and resources.
• Predeparture briefings – Briefings may be called Smooth Move or PCS Briefing and provide essential information about your next duty station. Briefings can be critical in setting you up for success during the transition to your next duty station.
• Settling-in services – Welcome Wagon services or local area tours may be a part of your installation’s settling-in services. Overseas arrival services may include introductory language classes and cultural awareness training.
• Foreign-born spouse support – Whether you have questions or concerns about immigration and naturalization, learning the English language or how to use local transportation, the relocation program provides assistance, classes and referrals. Services may vary by service and installation.
• Emergency assistance – From time to time, emergencies occur while moving. The Military and Family Support Center has the resources to provide emergency financial assistance and referrals.
• Authorized housing flexibility options – The 2018 National Defense Authorization Act authorized housing flexibility options for eligible service members in receipt of PCS orders within the United States. This includes possible extended stays in government housing and early moving opportunities. For additional information and eligibility considerations, contact your military personnel office. Please note that application of these policies may vary across services.
• Spouse Reimbursement – The 2018 National Defense Authorization Act allows each service branch to reimburse spouses up to $1,000 for relicensure and certification costs resulting from relocations or PCS moves. This includes moves that cross U.S. state lines, as well as OCONUS to stateside moves. See this Military OneSource article on Transferring Your Professional License for more information and specific service branch policies.

Relocation Assistance is designed to assist military personnel and DoD personnel and their families who are relocating to a new duty station, being deployed, or who are separating or retiring from service.  Pre-departure information is provided about the new duty station and how to request a sponsor if one was not assigned. Considering the small population of MCLB Barstow, the Relocation Assistance provides personalized settling-in services for new Marines and their dependents on an individual basis as the service member checks into Information, Referral and Relocation.

Relocation Assistance has a lending locker available to check-out household items for temporary use until household goods arrive. The Relocation Assistance Office is located at Building 126, or you can call 760-577-6675.

Installation Specific Information

Relocation Assistance at MCLB Barstow is here to provide support, information, and resources needed for a successful move. We educate military families on how to be proactive while preparing for a move.  We are unique here at MCLB because of the small population we serve. We are able to spend more time with our patrons in contrast with other installations that are heavily populated.

Moving with a family can be overwhelming. Add to that dealing with a special needs family member and you've now doubled or tripled the difficulty. Children can be difficult during these stressful times, regardless of their age.  Allow us to help you get started and develop a plan that suits you and your family. Our staff is personable, friendly, and willing to help you achieve your moving goals and deal with any emotional situations that may occur. Spouses are welcome to attend all classes and workshops, or just stop by Building 126 whenever they need to. 

Welcome Aboard and Pre-Departure classes are available on an individual or quarterly basis.  These classes equip the service member and spouse with the essential tools needed to overcome and adapt to any situation. Classes are interactive by means of discussion based on the service member's individual circumstances. Demonstrations of official DoD websites are provided to show how to obtain all necessary information needed during the moving process, including an emergency situation.  

If your household goods are still in transit, come by and check-out a hospitality kit from the Loan Locker. They are FREE of charge and equipped with basic kitchenware such as pots, pans, dishes, utensils, etc. We also have queen size air-mattresses, children's cots, high chairs, microwaves, tables, chairs, and vacuums.

When you arrive to check-in with Relocation Assistance, you will be greeted with a complimentary welcome basket filled with a variety of household essentials. We encourage service members and spouses to bring up their personal hardships and difficulties so that they may be addressed and consulted with the appropriate program manager. These hardships can range from financial problems, wanting to connect with other families, a spouse seeking employment, to marital issues. Whatever it is, we can help guide you to the resources you are looking for.