Web system simplifies military moves

The Defense Department plans to make military reassignments easier to manage

with a new Web-based application devoted to relocation services.

By introducing a personal permanent change of station (PCS) page for

all military personnel this summer, DOD hopes to distill 1,200 pages of

relocation rules and regulations into one page of information about the

new assignment and expense reimbursement available, said Stephen Rosetti,

director of the Defense Integrated Travel and Relocation Solutions Office.

Rosetti discussed upcoming relocation policy revisions and improvements

at the Federal Government Relocation Seminar in Washington, D.C., Thursday.

The seminar was sponsored by Gelco Information Networks, which has introduced

a relocation payment module for its Travel Manager software.

Gelco's software is being integrated into the Defense Travel System

developed by TRW Inc. Gelco Travel Manager also is used in the financial

systems at several civilian agencies. The PCS system also would interface

with the Defense Travel System when it is complete.

DOD has recognized that relocation procedures must be improved to retain

military personnel, Rosetti said. The average service member moves 18 to

20 times in his or her career and loses about $1,000 per move.

"Military entitlements are very austere. We're moving quickly to do

something about it," Rosetti said.

The personal relocation pages will enable service members to complete

a personal profile and pre-populate more than 100 forms needed for moving.

Based on information in the profile, the service member can accept a pre-computed

payment electronically and have it transferred to his or her bank account.

The member also can look at available housing floor plans and confirm housing

at the new location.

"We are using to the maximum extent possible capabilities we have already

developed in the department," Rosetti said. Rosetti plans to launch an enterprise

site for all DOD travel in July and some early functions of the PCS system

in August.