ANCHOR for Military Families Act

The ANCHOR for Military Families Act would require the Department of Defense to provide military families with timely and accessible relocation information at least 45 days before a Permanent Change of Station move. The bill aims to address challenges military families face when relocating across state lines, particularly regarding school enrollment, credit transfers, and access to special education services. Many military families remain unaware of the Military Interstate Children's Compact Commission (MIC3), which all 50 states and the District of Columbia have adopted to support educational continuity during military relocations.

If enacted, the bill would require the DoD to include information about MIC3, school enrollment procedures, academic continuity, and special education services in relocation briefings. The legislation would also add education support to statutorily required relocation services and ensure military families receive information about housing assistance, spouse employment support, legal and financial counseling, and mental health services. The DoD would be required to provide annual briefings to Congress for three years to track implementation and satisfaction with the program.