PCS Process

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Permanent Change of Station, from start to finish:

The PCS process is an important part of military life, as it involves relocating service members and their families to new duty stations. The process begins when you, as a service member, receive official orders directing you to move to a new location. These orders typically come from your branch of service, and they outline important details such as your new assignment, reporting date, and any special instructions.

Once you receive your orders, it's time to start planning for your move. One of the first steps is obtaining a "No-Fee" passport for you and your family members if you are being stationed overseas. This passport allows for official travel without incurring personal expenses. It's important to apply for these passports as soon as possible, as the process may take some time.

Next, you'll need to consider your housing options at the new duty station. Depending on the availability, you can choose to live in government-provided housing on base or explore off-base housing options. If you opt for off-base housing, you can contact the Housing Office at your new duty station to gather information on the local housing market and rental listings. Additionally, you can work with a real estate agent or utilize online resources to find suitable housing options that fit your needs and budget.

Once you have an idea of your housing situation, it's time to coordinate the logistics of the move. You will be assigned a Transportation Office or Personal Property Shipping Office (PPSO) that will assist you with the transportation of your household goods. You'll need to schedule your move with them and determine the most suitable method for transporting your belongings, whether it's through a government-contracted moving company or a Personally Procured Move (PPM), also known as a "Do-It-Yourself" move.

If you have dependents, you'll also need to consider their needs during the move. This includes coordinating transportation for your family, including flights or other means of travel, if they are not moving with you at the same time. The military provides resources like the Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System (DEERS) and the Military OneSource website to help you navigate the process of relocating your family members.

As the moving date approaches, it's essential to ensure that all your personal and military paperwork is in order. This includes updating your contact information, making sure your medical and dental records are up to date, and transferring your children's school records if necessary. You should also inform your current unit and any relevant support services about your impending move.

On the day of the move, the moving company or transportation office will arrive at your current residence to pack and load your household goods onto the designated mode of transportation. It's a good idea to supervise the packing process, ensuring that all your items are properly inventoried and labeled for tracking and identification. Make sure to keep important documents and valuable items with you during the move for safekeeping.

Once your household goods are packed up and loaded, it's time to bid farewell to your current duty station and begin the journey to your new one. This may involve a long-distance road trip, air travel, or a combination of transportation methods depending on the distance and location of your new duty station.

When you arrive at your new duty station, you'll need to report to the appropriate personnel or command to sign in and begin the in-processing procedures. This may involve attending briefings, completing administrative tasks, and undergoing any required medical or dental check-ups. It's important to be proactive during this phase, asking questions and seeking guidance to ensure a smooth transition.

Once you've completed the in-processing requirements, you can focus on settling into your new duty station and community. This includes unpacking and organizing your household goods, registering your vehicles, and familiarizing yourself with the local area. Take advantage of the resources available on base, such as the Family Readiness Center or the Military and Family Support Center, which can provide valuable information and assistance to help you and your family adjust to the new environment.

Remember, the PCS process can be a mix of excitement and challenges. It's important to stay organized, communicate with your chain of command, and take advantage of the resources and support available to you. While each PCS experience may differ, being prepared and proactive can help make the transition as smooth as possible as you embark on this new chapter in your military career.