Permanent Change of Station (PCS) season can be stressful and overwhelming, to put it mildly! From figuring out the moving logistics to understanding what benefits are available to you, there’s a lot to navigate. That’s why we’ve compiled this guide to answer all the PCS questions that have been popping up in our community. Whether you’re PCS-ing for the first time or you’ve “been there and done that”, we’ve got you covered!
What is a PCS?
A Permanent Change of Station (PCS) is when an active-duty service member is ordered to relocate from one duty station to another. It’s not just a simple move; it’s the military’s version of a big career transition, and it can happen anywhere from every couple of years to more frequently, depending on the branch of service.
What are the Different Types of Moves?
There are generally two types of PCS moves:
- Military-Arranged Move: Also known as a Government Move, this is when the military takes care of the logistics for your household goods (HHG) and other aspects of your relocation.
- Personally Procured Move (PPM): Previously called a DITY (Do-It-Yourself) move, this is when the service member (or spouse) organizes and completes the move with the option of getting reimbursed for it.
- When you choose a Personally Procured Move (PPM), you’re responsible for coordinating the move yourself. However, the military will reimburse you for the moving expenses based on weight and distance. On the other hand, a Military-Arranged Move means that the military hires a moving company to pack and transport your household goods for you. For more information on a PPM we recommend these Personal Property Resources.
Read more: Is a DITY Military Move Right for Me? + Perks of a Partial DITY Military Move
Who Decides Where, When, and How You PCS?
The military generally assigns duty stations based on operational needs and the career path of the service member. While there may be some flexibility depending on the assignment (like optional post preferences), the final decision lies with the military.
Typically, your service member’s branch of the military decides when the move happens. The timing is influenced by the needs of the military and the service member’s career path. Typically, you will have some sort of idea that your spouse is up for a PCS soon, referred to as being “on the VML”. VML, meaning “Vulnerable to Move List”. In some cases, you can be on this list for a few cycles before you are picked up for a PCS, so being on the list doesn’t guarantee orders. You’ll then get a PCS order with a “report no later than” date, which tells you when your service member must be at their new duty station.
The service member (and sometimes the family) has input in the move process. However, the military will determine whether your move is government-arranged or if you can do a PPM, depending on availability and guidelines.
Read more: How to Navigate Postponed PCS & Challenges Along the Way
How Do You Find Out That You Are PCSing?
In some units, your service member’s commander will give them a heads-up that they were picked up for a PCS. But nothing is officially official until you receive your PCS orders. This document will include all the details of the move, including where and when you need to report.
How Does a CONUS Move Differ from an OCONUS Move?
A CONUS move is when you’re moving within the 48 contiguous states and the District of Columbia, while an OCONUS move (Outside the Continental United States) involves a PCS to or from Alaska, Hawaii, or overseas locations. OCONUS moves tend to have more logistics involved, including shipping goods overseas, family health screenings, specific passport/visa requirements that are location dependent, and increased delays on when you’ll receive your HHG.
Read more: How Living Overseas Shaped Who I am as a Military Spouse + Overseas Living: resources and information
How Soon in Advance Should I Prepare for a PCS?
Depending on the type of planner you are, some would say you should prepare for your next PCS as soon at you arrive at your duty station! But for most people, you should begin preparations at least 3-4 months before your PCS move. This gives you time to get your orders, start working on logistics, and get everything in order.
Read more: PCS Checklist: What You Can Control to Avoid Overwhelm
What Can I Do as a Milso to Get the Ball Rolling on a Move?
As a military spouse, you can start gathering information, researching your new location, and organizing your family’s transition. However, only the active-duty member can complete official PCS tasks like signing the move orders or managing the financial paperwork for the move.
If you’re looking for a checklist that can cater to what you’re able to assist with during the move, we recommend Plan My Move!
Read more: How to Grow Closer to Your Spouse During a PCS Move + Preparing to Move Guide
Is There Such a Thing as House Hunting Leave?
Yes, and it’s a great option to help you learn more about the new area you’ll be leaving, explore neighborhoods, and view homes. House Hunting Trip (HHT) is discretionary and allows up to 10 days of leave with reimbursement. For more information on HHT, how to use it, and what it covers please visit this Defense Finance and Accounting Service page.
Is There an Office on Base/Post That I Can Visit for In-Person Assistance?
Yes! There is typically a Personal Property Office or Transportation Office on base/post that you can visit for in-person assistance regarding your PCS. They can help answer your questions and provide guidance through the process.
Read more: PCS & Military Moves: Miltiary OneSource
What is DLA and Should I Apply for It?
DLA stands for Dislocation Allowance. It’s a financial benefit given to help cover the costs of moving, such as travel expenses, temporary living expenses, and other costs associated with the move. Be sure to check with your transportation office to see if you’re eligible and apply for it.
How Many Days Are Covered for Temporary Lodging?
Temporary Lodging Allowance (TLA) covers the cost of staying in temporary housing while you wait for your new home. The amount of time it’s covered varies, but generally, it’s up to 30 days for an OCONUS move and up to 10 days for CONUS.
What Types of Documents Should I Keep When It Comes to Moving Expenses?
You’ll want to keep track of all receipts, orders, and any documents related to your move. This includes travel receipts, temporary lodging receipts, and any reimbursement claims.
What is HHG?
HHG stands for Household Goods, which refers to all the personal items you’ll be shipping, including furniture, clothes, electronics, and kitchenware. Anything that’s part of your regular home life that needs to be moved is considered HHG.
What Happens if Our Goods Get Lost, Stolen, or Broken?
If your HHG are damaged, lost, or stolen, you need to file a claim through the military’s transportation office or the moving company. It’s a good idea to take inventory of everything before the movers pack it up, and keep track of any receipts for valuable items.
Will the Military Move Our Cars for Us?
Yes, the military will transport your (1) vehicle for you if you’re moving OCONUS (Outside the Continental United States), and sometimes for CONUS moves (inside the Continental United States). The military covers transportation costs for one vehicle (POV: Personally Operated Vehicle) per service member and family member, and they’ll arrange for the car to be shipped to your new location.
How Long Does it Take to Get Our HHG?
The timeline for receiving your HHG varies, but you can generally expect it to take 30-45 days for a CONUS move and 60-90 days for an OCONUS move. It can take longer in some cases, so be sure to budget time for your household goods to arrive and make temporary living arrangements.
Can The Military Store HHG for Us?
Yes, the military can store your HHG if your new home isn’t ready yet. You’ll need to arrange this through the transportation office, and there may be limits on how long they’ll store your goods. Fair warning, this can be a great tool in certain circumstances but it can also have its drawbacks. It adds one additional change of hands that can 1. Add risk for your stuff getting lost or mixed up and 2. Can add time to receiving your goods on the back end as it has to be scheduled out and the booking received by the new company. Essentially, its not as easy as calling the day you get the keys to your house and asking for all of your belongings by EOD.
Can You Do Any Personal Travel En Route?
Yes! The military allows you to take personal leave during your PCS move, so you can visit friends, family, or explore along the way. Just make sure to coordinate with the transportation office for proper approval.
Tips on How to Move Pets OCONUS
Moving pets OCONUS requires extra planning. You’ll need to ensure your pet is up to date on vaccinations, get the appropriate paperwork for travel, and make arrangements with the airline or military transport system. It’s a good idea to start this process at least 6 months in advance to ensure everything is in order.
A great starting point is the APHIS Pet Travel website, which outlines the necessary steps for each destination. Additionally, your base’s veterinary clinic can provide guidance tailored to your specific situation.
As of January 1, 2024, the Department of Defense (DoD) has authorized reimbursement for pet relocation expenses during a Permanent Change of Station (PCS). Service members can receive:
- Up to $550 for moves within the continental U.S. (CONUS)
- Up to $2,000 for moves to or from outside the continental U.S. (OCONUS)
These reimbursements can cover costs such as transportation, microchipping, quarantine fees, boarding, and licensing. To claim these benefits, retain all receipts and consult with your installation’s transportation office for guidance on the necessary documentation. For more details, visit the Military OneSource Passenger and Pet Transportation page.
Read more: Military OneSource Pet Relocation page + AMC Patriot Express Flights
Listen: Military OneSource – What You Need to Know About PCSing With Pets Podcast Episode
