For some of us moving once every 3-4 years is an anticipated part of being military. You package up your household and head off to the new and exciting location. For others it is a bad experience filled with broken heirlooms, destroyed electronics or missing table legs (I once lost the entire side to a crib). 

Recently the DOD (Department of Defense) implemented their Family First Program, which offers Full Replacement Value (FRV) of personal property damaged during relocation. This complex program is here to streamline the moving (PCS) process associated with the services member’s military commitment.

The backbone of Families First is the Defense Personal Property System (DPS) which will automate and simplify the PCS process. DPS is the one-stop source for managing personal property moves. It will provide 24-hour access to personal property shipment information throughout the entire moving process.

What makes Family First different? Family First is an innovative new program. One major change is the ability to file claims directly with Transportation Service Providers (TSP). If claims are not handled correctly with in 30 days you still have the option to claim with the Military Claims Office.

What does that mean for the military family? It means that the mover will guarantee to either replace your lost or damaged (beyond repair) item with a new item of like kind and quality, or pay the replacement cost of a new item. If the item is repairable, the mover will arrange to have the item repaired to its former condition, by a qualified repair firm, or pay you the repair cost.

This site has all the information you need to learn more about this program and how it will effect you. http://sddc.army.mil

*Note, information provided was gathered from websites linked above

Guidlines for FRV - Explains procedures and deadlines for filing your claim
http://www.sddc.army.mil/sddc/Content/Pub/38216//GuidelinesFRV.pdf

~Amanda, Sygnet Creations