Relocating can be stressful, but for service members, a Permanent Change of Station (PCS) is a regular part of U.S. military life. Military moves come with unique challenges, frequent packing, and the need to quickly adjust to new locations. Whether you're an unmarried soldier or managing a family PCS, understanding the process and preparing in advance can make a world of difference.
This blog post breaks down everything you need to know about PCS in the U.S. military, how often moves occur, and tips for navigating this essential aspect of service life more smoothly.
If you're preparing for your next PCS move, this article has everything you need to make the transition as smooth as possible.
What is a PCS in the Military?
A Permanent Change of Station, or PCS, is an official order requiring a military member to relocate to a new duty station. PCS moves differ from Temporary Duty (TDY) assignments, which involve shorter stays or specialized training. A PCS typically means packing up and transferring all your belongings, often across states or even to another country and moving into another home. So when you hear the term, PCS military, you now know what that means.
These moves are assigned based on the needs of the military and the member’s career progression, which means they are not optional. Common reasons for a PCS include promotions, changes in duty assignments, or deployments to strategic locations.
PCS orders come with challenges, but they also serve as opportunities to explore new places, cultures, and experiences. Military benefits, such as allowances for travel and moving expenses, often help lighten the burden.
Pro Tip: Always keep copies of your orders and important documents like passports, medical records, and IDs easily accessible during your PCS move. If you have anything of personal or sentimental value (wedding photos, shadowboxes), you should probably bring those along with you.
How Often Will an Unmarried Service Member Do a PCS Military Move?
For unmarried service members, moves tend to occur relatively frequently. How often you PCS depends on factors such as your branch of service, your job specialty, and the military's operational demands. On average, single service members can expect to move every two to thee years, but this timeline varies in the PCS military arena.
For example, if you're stationed overseas, you may find yourself relocating sooner than those assigned domestic duty stations. Additionally, career specialties requiring niche skills or rapidly changing operational needs may result in more frequent moves.
While single service members don't need to account for spousal or children’s needs, the challenge of integrating into new communities and adapting to new work environments remains constant.
Quick Tip for Singles: Use every move as an opportunity to downsize. The less you own, the easier it will be to pack up and settle into your new space.
How Often Do Families Do a PCS Military Move?
For military families, the frequency of PCS moves is similar. On average, families will PCS every two to four years. In recent years, the services have made a concerted effort to reduce the PCS military moves a military family endures. However, the logistics for families are far more complex compared to single service members.
Relocating a family means accounting for children’s schooling, spousal employment, and housing options near the new duty station. For families with kids, adjusting to new schools, finding childcare, and maintaining stability can feel daunting. Thankfully, the military offers programs such as school liaison officers to assist with these transitions.
Overseas moves add another layer of complexity, as families must also manage cultural differences, travel logistics like passports and visas, and learning new systems like healthcare in foreign locations.
The good news is that PCS military orders and moves can also foster stronger family bonds by encouraging adaptability, flexibility, and the ability to create “home” wherever you go.
Did You Know? Many families create “PCS binders” with important documents like social security cards, health records, and housing contracts. It becomes a lifeline during the process!
Tips to Navigate a PCS Military Move
Whether you're a single service member navigating your first PCS or a family gearing up for another relocation, preparation and organization are key to a smoother transition. Follow these tips to minimize stress and maximize efficiency during your PCS military move:
1. Start Planning as Soon as You Get Orders
PCS military moves require quick action. Once you receive your orders, begin researching your new duty station. Look into housing options, schools, and transportation details. If possible, reach out to someone already stationed there for insider advice. Most duty assignments will assign you a sponsor who knows the ropes of the area and will help you transition on your military PCS.
The earlier you start, the more options you'll have for housing and other essential services.
2. Take Advantage of Military Relocation Assistance
Every branch offers support systems for relocating service members and families during a PCS military move. Whether it’s connecting with a housing office, booking movers through the Defense Personal Property System (DPS), or using military travel allowances, make sure to fully utilize these resources.
Programs such as the Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP) are available to those with family members requiring specialized support, ensuring that everyone’s needs are addressed during a PCS military move.
3. Declutter Before You Pack
Why move items you no longer need? Use your PCS as an opportunity to downsize and declutter. Donate, sell, or recycle items that no longer serve a purpose in your life. This will reduce moving costs and save space in your next home. For example, if you have a snow blower and are getting reassigned to Hawaii, there is no sense packing a snow blower.
Pro Tip: Policies like weight allowances may apply to PCS moves. By decluttering ahead of time, you can avoid potential fees for going over your weight limit.
4. Create a PCS Military Binder
A well-organized binder can serve as your PCS command center. Include sections for important documents, such as travel orders, a detailed inventory of belongings, and contact information for your moving company.
Many military families customize their binders further by including school records, pet vaccination papers, and base-specific checklists for settling in.
5. Research Housing Options Early
When it comes to housing, early research pays off. Depending on your assignment, you can choose between living on base or off base. Each option has its pros and cons.
On Base Housing: Convenient and often more affordable, but availability can be limited.
Off Base Housing: Offers more flexibility and housing styles, but it may mean additional commuting and higher costs.
Ensure you consider schools, commute times, and proximity to your base when selecting a home.
6. Lean Into the Community
PCS military moves might uproot you geographically, but they introduce you to an incredible network of fellow military members and families. Make the effort to connect with others at your new location. From spouse meetups to volunteering opportunities, these connections can provide both support and friendship.
Online groups, such as social media communities dedicated to your duty station, can be invaluable for tips on everything from housing recommendations to local hidden gems.
Extra Tip: Encourage your kids to connect with other military children early. There are many programs that help connect military kids and are catered to their unique needs.
What is a DITY PCS Military Move?
A Do-It-Yourself (DITY) move is an option available to service members during PCS orders where they manage part or all of the relocation process themselves. Unlike a government-managed move, where the military hires professional movers, the DITY approach offers service members more flexibility and ownership over the moving process.
Key Benefits of a DITY Move:
- Flexibility to move on your own schedule
- Opportunity to Earn Money (the government reimburses moving expenses, and sometimes service members spend less than the budgeted allotment)
- Control Over Your Belongings, ensuring they are handled with care
What Does a DITY Move Cover?
A DITY move reimbursement includes costs such as rental vehicles, packing supplies, gas, tolls, and weight-based payment for moving property. If you opt for a full DITY move or combine it with a government-managed one, calculating and tracking expenses is vital for maximizing reimbursement.
Moving Forward with Your PCS Military Move
While PCS moves in the military are inevitable, they don’t have to be overwhelming. By planning ahead, utilizing available resources, and staying organized, you can make each move smoother for both yourself and your family.
Remember, every PCS is an opportunity for growth, exploration, and connection. It’s a chance to create a new chapter in your personal and professional life!
Your PCS Journey Made Simple
Frequent relocations are an integral part of military life, but they can also be rewarding opportunities to grow. Whether you’re embarking on your first PCS or preparing for your tenth, planning and utilizing available resources will set you up for success.
Moving forward, remember that the military offers ample support to help you transition smoothly. With preparation, flexibility, and the right mindset, you’ll be ready to tackle your next PCS like a pro.