Oh I know what your mean!

You guys are going to have your move paid for one way or another if he is retired. You could even have the Army move you guys--obviously won't make any money doing it like this but it is an option.
And to more specifically answer your initial question, yes, you guys can apply for some of the money upfront on a DITY to help cover moving expenses.
If Hubby gets his retirement orders and he is placed on TDRL or PDRL, make sure his retirement orders have this retirement move option on his orders. Retirement Home Station Of Choice or words to that effect.
As he moves through each of his out-processing stations, make sure you and him (both, if possible) attend that briefing and get all the first-step, initial sign-up paperwork done right after the briefing is concluded.
I just had one of my Buddys retire to TDRL, and somehow - this paragraph was missing on his retirement orders. He got it fixed, but do make sure it's on Hubby's retirement orders if going onto TDRL/PDRL.
There is information about this on the JFTR (Joint Federal Travel Regulations). You can GOOGLE it and it comes up if you want to read more about it.
And, of course, you can search this website for information.
V/r,
nwlivewire