What is the primary purpose of the DLA?

The primary purpose of the DLA, or Dislocation Allowance, is to assist military members and their families with relocation expenses incurred during a change of duty station. This allowance is designed to mitigate the financial burden associated with moving, which can include costs such as transporting personal items, lodging, and other shifting-related activities. The DLA helps ensure that service members are not financially disadvantaged due to mandatory relocations required by military duty.

While there are programs that support medical costs, aid in daily living needs, and assist with education expenses, these do not fall under the main focus of the Dislocation Allowance. Each of those other categories has dedicated resources or allowances that address their specific needs, but the DLA is specifically tailored to facilitate the transition of moving from one duty station to another.