How to Prepare for a Military Permanent Change of Station (PCS)

Depending on your branch of service, military families receive orders for a Permanent Change of Station every 2 to 4 years. After a couple of these, there is a routine that develops and helps make the transition go smoothly. Our experience was with the Navy but hopefully these ideas will help a family in any branch of service.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

1. Purchase an expanding accordian file with at least 5 pockets, preferably with blank labels. These pockets will soon be filled with the military member's orders and other information that will need to be kept safe and accessible.
2. Make a checklist of the steps that need to be accomplished to complete the move. Here are some to get you started:
   
   - Housing: sell home or turnover lease
   - Utilities: make calls for cancellation dates
   - School: notify of transfer and receive transcripts
   - Medical: notify TRICARE of transfer and contact medical records department to transfer records to new location
   - Veterinary: receive records for all pets and health certificate, if flying
   - Travel plans: hotels, plane tickets or car route
   - Banking: if you use a local bank, make plans to close account and transfer funds
   - Credit Card Companies: notify them that you will be in transition and assure that you do not miss any payments
3. Know your travel benefits during a PCS move. Confirm your receipt of your Dislocation Allowance (DLA). Keep receipts of your travel expenses (hotels, tickets, tolls, gas, etc). Most of these are reimbursed by the military and if it is not, you will want to claim them on your taxes. Find out from your personnel department if you are authorized to use your government credit card during your transition. This will help you save money on interest.
4. Know your medical benefits and policies during the transition. Contact your local TRICARE Service Center before you begin your move to receive information on how to access care during the move and how to activate your benefits at your new location.
5. Learn about your new location to help prepare yourself and your family for the move. The new military command will assign a sponsor to the military member. The sponsor is available to answer questions and provide information regarding the new command and area. You may be able to connect with other spouses to gain a greater perspective.