Bird dogging a PCS Amendment?

2019-08-16T15:27:48-04:00

I apologize in advance if this topic has been done to death on here, my searches were fruitless...

I'm currently in my first phase of AIT on Corry Station. My PCS orders authorized me to bring my dependents, but had a stonking great "DEPENDENTS: NO" printed right above that. So first off I searched around online, then I tried to call back to my basic training battalion, (after bouncing off an answering service learned that that was the wrong way to approach the chain of command anyhow, so apologies to everyone for that); then I took the issue to my DS, who said he'd take care of it.

Two and half weeks later my Drill says he's still not tracking a response from my BCT unit; now I'm disposed to take everything my NCO's say at face value, they're very good to us; constantly working us through various issues.. The thing that makes me post this question is that my MOS-T classmates (E-5's and an E-6), all said "Oh that's an easy fix, your DS just needs to make a call to *__insert_name_of_office_I_forgot_here__* for the amendment, then you carry a copy to S1. Shouldn't take long..."

Which has led me to wonder if the issue is being approached correctly on this end.
Should I continue to press about it or not?

I do want to make it quite clear that this isn't intended as a gripe fest directed toward my command structure, as I said we think highly of our NCO's, and they have plenty of other soldiers to tend to.. it just.. I'm concerned that my request might've gotten lost in the shuffle or the contact attempt was directed at the wrong office perhaps. I'm not sure.. advice?

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 16 at 2019 5:42 PM

2019-08-16T17:42:41-04:00

Your DS are probably swamped. Give them the BOTD and just ask them if there are any updates that you need, or any paperwork they need for an amendment to your orders.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 18 at 2019 10:25 AM

2019-08-18T10:25:07-04:00

There may also be another thing that is an issue. There may be a local SOP that prohibits AIT students from having their dependents there, or prohibiting AIT students from living off-post (or in family housing) with their dependents. The AIT for my MOS is 28 weeks, and is dependent authorized according to regulation. However, there is a policy letter that requires the AIT students to remain in the barracks.

The comments about the DS being busy are spot-on. There are anywhere from 3 to 5 DS per shift to take care of the needs of 200-400+ AIT students. You may have to tactfully remind your DS about the issue.

Response by SSG Keith Cashion made Aug 19 at 2019 9:09 AM

2019-08-19T09:09:29-04:00

A couple of things that I can think of when it comes to your orders being incorrect after doing PCS orders for 8.5 years. Dependents:NO I am going to take a guess that your records that the reassignments section are looking at, have you as Single. Either eMilpo and or EDAS. Are you new to the Army, or are you a re-class from another PMOS? Tracking that the course is 45 weeks long, you should be able to relocate your dependents to Pensacola.