Military programs are governed by federal law, Department of Defense policy and additional policies specific to the branches of service. Below are excerpts from federal laws that govern moving and housing in the military.

Title 10 United States Code (USC) §1056, “Relocation Assistance Programs,” January 15, 2013 — This law requires the secretary of defense to establish relocation assistance programs within the service branches and defense agencies. It requires the secretary of defense to establish a director of relocation assistance programs and to issue regulations to govern and guide the implementation of those programs within the family support functions of each service. The law requires implementation of an integrated, automated information system to provide data on military communities worldwide. Program services are also required to address relocation-related issues, such as spouse employment, child care, financial stability, real estate assistance, sponsorship and personal adjustment to a new community.

Title 10 USC §1785, “Youth Sponsorship Programs,” August 11, 2014 — This law establishes authority for the Youth Sponsorship Program for military children, designed to assist them in integrating into their new communities when they move as a result of permanent change of station. Programs should focus particularly on preteen and teen populations, which seem to have the hardest time making social and emotional adjustments to relocation.

Title 10 USC § 2871-2885, “Alternative Authorities for Acquisition and Improvement of Military Housing,” August 11, 2014 — This law requires DoD and the services to conduct the Military Housing Privatization Initiative.