Preparing For Your First PCS Move

Moving your Personal Property

MOST Officers will coordinate and move personal property items prior to departure for BOLC. Completing this prior to BOLC will prevent any delay in your personal property arriving at your duty station on time, and free yourself from this task after BOLC.

In general, there are 2 types of personal property moves for CONUS (Continental US) PCS moves: PPM (Personally Procured Move, formerly known as Do It Yourself (DITY)) and HHG (Household Goods) Move. 

Additionally, for most OCONUS (Outside Continental US), or certain CONUS TDYs, DoD allows an UB (Unaccompanied Baggage) shipment as well.

All moves, whether PPM or HHG, will require the Soldier to utilize the Defense Personal Property System (DPPS), and coordinate with the Soldiers local Transportation office. Links to those sites are embedded in this statement, and below. 

All moves come with a 90 days of Temporary Storage at Government Expense. Soldiers on TDY enroute orders (ex. BOLC to first duty station) are authorized additional storage for the duration of the TDY course. 

Personally Procured Move (PPM)

A PPM is a move that you perform or arrange yourself instead of using a DOD arranged Transportation Service Provider (TSP). It can be done for either a full or partial move. You must obtain approval from your Transportation Office (TO) prior to performing a PPM move. Below is a list of ways to conduct a PPM:

• Rent portable moving and storage containers 

• Rent trucks or trailers

• Use your own vehicle and/or trailer

• Hire a commercial moving company

• Ship via a small package carrier (e.g., USPS, FedEx, UPS)

1. If you choose to hire a commercial mover, please discuss the details with your transportation office. Additionally, we recommend utilizing a mover registered with the Federal Government at https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/protect-your-move. This site offers free resources and tools to protect yourself from a “rogue” mover who may underbid your move, increase prices after picking up your property, and hold your property hostage until you pay prior to performing delivery.

2.  For small package services you need to visit your TO to obtain the estimates costs and complete an application. You can file reimbursement for actual expenses provided you have not exceeded your authorized weight allowance and Government Constructed Cost (GCC). You must provide the receipt or Customs Declaration Form specifying each package’s weight, charges paid, mailing date, contents, destination, and origin.

***SPECIAL NOTE***: If you are traveling via privately owned vehicle (POV) with ANY personal property during your PCS move, you are authorized to claim and file this movement under a PPM move, and will be compensated for your move. Discuss this with your Transportation Office prior to initiating your PCS. 

***More information on PPMs can be found on the factsheet here.***

Household Goods Move (HHG)

HHG, or a household goods move, is a move completed by a government-furnished moving company, also called a Transportation Service Provider, or TSP. During a HHG move, your TSP is responsible for packing all of your belongings and transporting them to your new location. The TSP is coordinated through your Transportation Office, and DPPS.

See here for moving responsibilites associated with a HHG move.

Unaccompanied Baggage (UB)

UB, or unaccompanied baggage, is an option for shipments where a small portion of your total weight allowance is expedited to your new location, typically while you wait for the rest of your belongings to arrive at a later date. UB shipments are approved for CONUS TDY and OCONUS TDY and PCS. This shipment is coordinated through your Transportation Office, and DPPS.

Traveling to BOLC and First Duty Station

Travel To BOLC

Via AIR: HRC will provide a 1610, TDY travel form. Soldiers need to work with ROTC Battalion HRAs to schedule flights into San Antonio International Airport (SAT) via Defense Travel System (DTS) or directly through SATO Travel. It is recommended you fly into San Antonio, TX the same day you report to BOLC, unless flights don't allow for reporting during business hours (0800-1600 CST.)

If your HRA is unable to assist in scheduling flights in DTS or with SATO Travel, you need to email orders@alexander-tvl.com with a copy of your orders to book flights.

Via POV: You will be allotted days to travel from start location (identified on your RFA) to San Antonio, TX. In general, Soldiers are provided 1 day of travel for every 350 miles. Soldiers are reimbursed for travel time. Total reimbursement per day is $151.00. Additional reimbursement will be provided for spouse/family members. 

For more information on PCS travel, see the PCS Fact Sheet attached here and below. (all information is subject to change without notice.)

Housing at Your First Duty Station

For specific information about your first duty station, select the "First Duty Station" drop down at the top of the page.

***IMPORTANT***

DO NOT MAKE A FINANCIAL DECISION ON HOUSING BEFORE RECEIVING ORDERS. Doing so prior to receipt of orders could result in financial loss and hardship, as duty stations CAN CHANGE prior to receipt of ORDERS.

Living On Post

Individuals may choose to live on post at their duty stations. MOST CONUS duty stations allow Officers to live off-post if desired. Some OCONUS duty stations require Officers to live on post, or unless housing is full on-post.

Living on the installation comes with pros and cons. Those choosing to live on-post need to contact their duty station Housing Office ASAP to better understand the housing situation and any requirements for on-post housing. Housing Office information can be found here.

Pros: 

• Safe neighborhoods

• Convenience of living close to work, gyms, PX, Commissary, and on-post childcare and schools.

• Housing is managed by the installation to include MOST yard maintenance and house repairs.

• MOST utilities are included with the housing you are provided

Cons:

• The property you are provided on post is based on your RANK and number of dependents.

• There is often a WAITLIST for on-post housing, depending on the type of housing you qualify for.

• You will NOT receive Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) if you choose to live on post.

• You MAY still need to pay for some utilities or internet.

• There may be visitor restrictions to on-post housing.

Living Off-Post

Individuals may choose to live off-post. This again comes with pros and cons, and some OCONUS installations may require the Officer to live on-post. If deciding to live off-post, careful research should be conducted prior to purchasing or renting a property off-post. Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) is provided for all Soldiers living in the civilian market (off-post.) BAH rates can be found here.

Below are also links to various resources to help you make intelligent decisions on your off-post housing options.

Pros:

• BAH will be provided for you and your family to compensate for living in the civilian market. Any BAH not used can be saved.

• Rank and dependent status dependent, you will often find more updated properties with larger square footage, and/or more amenities than what you would be provided on-post.

• There are no visitor restrictions. 

• By living off-post, you may feel a sense of separation from your work and home life, improving work/life balance.

• Utilities and upkeep may be included in some off-post locations. 

Cons:

• Crime can be a concern depending on the area you choose to live. Proper research is required to mitigate this risk. 

• Utility costs can vary drastically depending on the season and service provider in your area.

• You may be required to perform interior and exterior upkeep on the property (especially if you purchase.)

• Off-post traffic patterns will impact your daily commute to work.

OCONUS Living

Moving to a foreign country will be a huge adventure. However, it does require some preparation, guidance and patience. Military OneSource link here can help you make the most of your time abroad with pointers on adjusting to your new home, information on finding employment for spouses, advice for getting around and ideas for assimilating your kids to a new culture.