What Are PCS Orders?
What Are PCS Orders?
Military life can be full of acronyms, making the initial PCS move particularly daunting for new service members and their families. Luckily, there are resources available to aid military families as they prepare for this change – detailing, relocation assistance and Career Waypoint are just a few options available to them.
On receipt of their orders, members should ascertain if a no-fee passport will be necessary (see MILPERSMAN Article 46500-020) as well as make an inventory of any personal items to be shipped overseas.
What is a PCS?
Permanent Change of Station is the term given to military relocations that span regional, transcontinental or international locations. The military offers allowances to cover expenses associated with PCS moves such as transportation and accommodation expenses.
Dependent upon the nature of their move, some moving arrangements may also include childcare and school liaison support as well as Temporary Lodging Expense (TLE). Service members may receive TLE for up to 60 days while waiting for housing at their new duty station.
TLE covers the costs associated with lodging for both you and your family while they wait for installation housing to become available. To learn more, check with your local pay office. Military OneSource also has consultants online who can provide assistance by planning, organizing, and tracking tasks with custom checklists.
Types of PCS moves
An Air Force PCS move can be an emotional experience for your entire family, requiring many months of planning. While the government covers most costs associated with moving, you can claim allowances on your taxes that can save money by being prepared before moving day arrives.
As soon as you receive PCS orders, it is wise to begin planning for your military move as soon as possible. Offices dedicated to PCS moves can become extremely busy during peak PCS season; by making an early request you may get priority consideration for resources. If possible, try creating a video inventory and appraisal before shipping items; this will ensure everything arrives in one piece at your new station.
Costs of a PCS move
The military will cover most expenses associated with PCS moving, however the costs can quickly accumulate for families that opt to hire professional movers instead of using military-provided services.
Budgeting ahead for these costs is crucial; using a PCS entitlements calculator is one way of doing just this.
Cost of PCS moves can be costly, but with careful planning and calculations it can be significantly lessened. By understanding all of the allowances and limitations involved, making the move less disruptive for yourself and family will help ensure that you make use of all possible relocation benefits and allowances available to you.
Transportation allowances for a PCS move
PCS moves are complex affairs. Timing may not always be in your control and external timelines do not permit tardiness; not to mention all the logistical considerations like who can come with, what items will be shipped in their household goods shipment, weight restrictions and how to get from A to B.
There are fortunately numerous resources and support programs to make PCS moves less stressful, including entitlements, detailing services, assignment assistance and career Waypoint resources that are all accessible through your chain of command or career counselor. Furthermore, many helpful online resources exist which may aid your move as well.
Personal Procurement Move (PPM)
Personal Procurement Move (PPM), previously known as DITY moves or Do-It-Yourself moves, is now offered through DoD as an option to service members who wish to arrange and transport household goods themselves but receive reimbursement by government agencies.
PPM can be an excellent way to save money when planning a PCS move. Before making the decision to utilize a PPM service at your installation, however, be sure to meet with a transportation expert first and gain approval from your PPO before beginning planning your move. It is also wise to keep a file or travel filing box that contains PPM approval paperwork, receipts and weight tickets in case reimbursement comes through later on.
What Are PCS Orders? Military life can be full of acronyms, making the initial PCS move particularly daunting for new service members and their families. Luckily, there are resources available to aid military families as they prepare for this change – detailing, relocation assistance and Career Waypoint are just a few options available to them.…