Support for Military
Each year more than 400,000 service members make a PCS. As a service or family member, you can expect moving to be part of your military life. The Defense Department provides a variety of relocation resources to help make your PCS as easy and safe as possible — before, during and after your move. In this article, we break down what you need to know about PCS.
Military OneSource moving experts can help you with moving tips, information about your new duty station and everything you need to master your PCS.
Overseas? OCONUS dialing options.
Unlike temporary duty assignments, PCS orders are a longer-term assignment, generally two to four years. Broadly speaking, your orders will tell you where you’ll be moving to — either inside the continental U.S., known as CONUS, or outside the continental U.S., known as OCONUS.
These destinations are specifically defined as:
You may receive a PCS notification before official orders arrive, but it’s important to remember you will not be able to schedule your move until official orders are in hand, because they include important information related to your authorizations and entitlements.
While moving can be a challenge, the following resources can help make your PCS as easy and safe as possible.
The Military OneSource Moving Your Personal Property page offers all of your personal property resources and information in one convenient location, including links to:
Plan My Move is an online tool that helps you create, organize and manage your PCS through customized checklists so that you can stay on top of important to-dos as you get ready to move. Answer a couple of questions and you’re on your way to building that checklist.
Military OneSource is available 24/7 anywhere in the world with expert moving consultants and online tools and resources to help you get organized and settled. Call anytime to speak with a consultant, or set up an online chat. Learn more about arranging a personal property shipment, and find out how our experts can help you master your PCS.
Looking to pin down resources to get ahead of your move? From your local Relocation Assistance Program office to the Plan My Move, Defense Personal Property System and MilitaryINSTALLATIONS tools, you can get answers to questions and take control of your move.
A variety of resources, online and through your installation, can help you before, during and after your move:
Moving yourself? Consult this fact sheet to learn how to identify a reputable commercial moving company for your personally procured move.
If you prefer to organize your move yourself, you may be able to choose a personally procured move, or PPM. You are eligible for a PPM when you have PCS orders or a temporary duty assignment or you face separation, retirement or assignment to, from or between government quarters.
During a PPM, you coordinate the move of your household goods yourself without using any military moving services. This means that you are responsible for all the planning and communications that a military-coordinated move usually handles. Doing it all yourself can mean added stress and possible problems.
Military moves don’t have to be exclusively one or the other. You can use some military moving services and manage other parts of the move yourself. For more information, contact your local transportation office or ask a Military OneSource moving expert.
Service members are assigned to their first duty station after completing basic and advanced training. On average, service members receive PCS orders every two to four years.
Service members may be able to rank their preferences for their next duty stations, but in the end, you will be assigned to the duty station where you are needed most.
Family members are definitely permitted to visit. Depending on where you live, your visitors may need to stay in a hotel.
Service members will likely use the health care system on the installation. If needed, you can receive a referral to an outside specialist.
There is a weight limit on the total amount of personal property that may be moved to the new location at government cost. The weight limit increases with rank and number of dependents. Learn more about weight allowances and PCS entitlements.
Service members moving with pets are limited to Joint Travel Regulations-authorized expenses for one pet only. Some or all quarantine costs may be reimbursed in countries mandating it. Be sure to find out about these and other pet regulations for your new duty station well before your move.
Here are some common special circumstances that affect moves and where to find support for each.
Whether this is your first PCS or you’re a seasoned professional, let Military OneSource help you master your move so you can get on with your mission.
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