What helpful advice do you have on a first PCS?

Aviance Crandall — Sun, 12 Aug 2018 11:33:10 -0400

Hello new to the army life my husband will graduate AIT in a few weeks wondering if there's any helpful advice to someone who is a planner like myself.

Response by MAJ Javier Rivera made Aug 12 at 2018 11:41 AM

MAJ Javier Rivera — Sun, 12 Aug 2018 11:41:39 -0400

Find as much as you can regarding your new duty station. You can contact their MWR for the latest and greatest regarding spouses and family programs and resources to help you on your PCS.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 12 at 2018 11:57 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 12 Aug 2018 11:57:04 -0400

USAA has a few good articles on your first PCS. So does militaryonesource.mil, they actually have tons of resources and informational articles on everything from counseling, to the new retirement plan your spouse falls under.
You guys will start the process by logging onto move.mil
If you are near a military post you can contact the local Army Community Service for information about your new station.
In the future when you PCS your spouse will be required to attend levy briefs once they come on assignment, and you will be eligible to attend with them. In the levy brief they explain how to PCS.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 12 at 2018 1:34 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 12 Aug 2018 13:34:14 -0400

Just like any other move really....always did it myself. I dont see any difference between a military move and a civilian one besides having to make sure you get weight tickets.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 12 at 2018 1:55 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 12 Aug 2018 13:55:24 -0400

MUST: Do a ton of research on the area you plan on living in if you're going to live off post. Google Map the area and look at your neighborhood and surrounding areas. Being in a nice neighborhood will make a world of difference.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Aug 12 at 2018 2:04 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Sun, 12 Aug 2018 14:04:55 -0400

-Who will move your household goods? You or the government?

-How far is the move? Driving 400 miles is considered a full day of travel. You will get hotel and food money for each day.

-Will your husband have a government travel card (credit card) and it must be turned on.

-Go to housing on the post and find out what your options are (on post, off post).

Response by CSM Darieus ZaGara made Aug 12 at 2018 3:31 PM

CSM Darieus ZaGara — Sun, 12 Aug 2018 15:31:13 -0400

Are you on station with your husband at the base? If so you can go directly into the travel office and receive a briefing on all of your options. If you are not, you can reach out to the gaining base (where you are being stationed). These few points and the others you have received should get you going. Research and read. Thank you for your service as an Military spouse.