De-Stress
YOUR PCS

PCS stands for Permanent Change of Station. It’s the official process of relocating from one duty station to another (or to home of record upon separation/retirement). Unlike TDY (temporary duty), a PCS is a longer-term assignment, typically 2–4 years. It involves moving your household goods, family, and personal property, with various entitlements to help cover costs. Every branch handles the basics similarly, but details can vary—always check with your transportation office.

There’s no single flat amount—it depends on your rank, dependents, distance, and move type (CONUS vs. OCONUS). Key entitlements include:

• Dislocation Allowance (DLA): Flat payment for incidental expenses (2026 rates ~$1,019 for E-1 no dependents up to over $6,000 for senior officers with dependents).
• MALT (Mileage Allowance): ~$0.205 per mile (2026) for you and authorized travelers driving your POV.
• Per Diem: Lodging + meals during travel.
• Household Goods (HHG) Move: Government arranges or reimburses based on weight allowance (e.g., 13,000–18,000+ lbs depending on rank/dependents).
• Other: Temporary Lodging Expense (TLE), storage, etc. Run your specific scenario through official calculators or your transportation office. Many families still face out-of-pocket costs for deposits, pet transport, or excess weight.

It varies widely:

• Planning & scheduling: Start as soon as you have orders (often 2–8+ months out).
• Pack-out & pickup: 1–3 days.
• Transit: 2–6 weeks for CONUS (longer during peak summer); 6–8+ weeks OCONUS or with storage.
• Delivery & unpack: 1–2 days once goods arrive. Factors like distance, season, and partial PPMs affect timing. Build in buffer time—delays happen.

It depends:

• OCONUS moves: Usually yes—one POV (privately owned vehicle) can be shipped at government expense.
• CONUS moves: Generally no. You drive and get MALT mileage reimbursement, or pay out-of-pocket to ship. Exceptions exist (e.g., two POVs or medical reasons). Always confirm with your transportation office and factor in fuel, tolls, and time.

PPM (Personally Procured Move, formerly DITY) means you handle some or all of the move yourself (rent truck, use PODS, hire labor, etc.) and the government reimburses you up to 100% of the “Government Constructed Cost” (what they’d pay professional movers).

Is it worth it? Many families net $2k–$10k+ profit after expenses if you stay under the GCC, especially with help loading/unloading. It offers more control over timing and access to belongings. However, it requires significant time, physical effort, and upfront cash. Partial PPMs (you move some items, government moves the rest) are popular compromises. Run the numbers with a PPM calculator first.

1. Contact your local Transportation Office (or use Move.mil) as soon as possible—ideally right after orders.
2. Provide orders, preferred dates, and inventory details.
3. Choose full government move, PPM, or combination.
4. Get weight tickets, receipts, and documentation for reimbursement. Don’t wait—peak season books up fast.

Common reimbursements (save all receipts):

• Travel (MALT mileage, per diem).
• HHG shipment or PPM incentive.
• Temporary lodging (TLE/TLA).
• Dislocation Allowance.
• Storage (if authorized).
• Certain POV shipping (OCONUS). Not everything is covered (e.g., security deposits, vehicle wear beyond mileage, excess weight). Track everything meticulously.

Yes—authorized dependents can travel separately with proper orders. This is common for school schedules, work, or family needs. You’ll need to coordinate travel entitlements and may qualify for separate per diem/mileage. Document everything and check with finance for reimbursement rules.

• On-base: Apply early through base housing office (waitlists common).
• Off-base: Use resources like our Realtor Locator or VA loan services at Meridian Bank. Factor BAH rates.
• Research schools, spouse jobs, pet policies, and safety. Vetted partners (e.g., Realtor locators) can help narrow options quickly.

1. Celebrate the news—then breathe.
2. Notify your chain of command and start the checklist (Military OneSource has excellent ones).
3. Contact Transportation Office to schedule the move.
4. Update family plans (school records, medical, pets).
5. Budget & research new area (housing, BAH, spouse employment).
6. Gather documents and start a centralized PCS binder/digital folder. Small early actions prevent big stress later.

ARKMoves can help turn this checklist into a personalized, step-by-step plan with AI support (Charlie), vetted partner discounts, and optional human coordination—so you’re not figuring it out alone. Start free with Alpha at arkmoves.com.