PCS for Beginners: A Guide for Foreign-Born Military Spouses

If you’re a foreign-born military spouse, you might have heard the acronym “PCS” thrown around in conversations. At first, it can sound like a mysterious military term, but fear not — you’re about to become a pro in all things PCS (Permanent Change of Station). Think of it as a military move, but with a bit of structure, support, and, yes, paperwork!

In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about PCS — from what it is to how it works, and what it means for you as a military spouse. We’ll also provide resources to help you navigate this new part of military life like a seasoned pro.

What is PCS?

A Permanent Change of Station (PCS) is essentially a relocation of a service member and their family to a new duty station. Unlike a temporary assignment, which might last a few weeks or months, a PCS means you’re moving for a longer period, usually two to three years. The military tells you where to go, when to go, and helps cover some of the moving expenses.

In other words, you’re about to embark on an adventure — but instead of just packing for a vacation, you’re packing up your entire life!

How Does PCS Work?

When your service member spouse gets PCS orders, it means the military has decided they need to move to a different base or installation. It could be within the U.S. or overseas, depending on where the military needs them. Here’s how the PCS process typically works:

1. Receiving Orders: Your spouse will receive official PCS orders outlining the new location, the report date, and any special instructions. It’s a good idea to review these orders carefully because they’ll contain essential details for your move.
2. Planning Your Move

Once you have orders in hand, it’s time to plan. The military gives you two main options for moving:

• Government Move: The military arranges and pays for professional movers to pack, transport, and unpack your belongings. This is the easiest option, as the military takes care of most of the heavy lifting (literally).
• Personally Procured Move (PPM): In this case, you handle the move yourself. The military reimburses you for some of the expenses, but you’re in charge of renting a truck, packing, and moving everything. Some families prefer this option because they can make extra money by doing it themselves.

3. Packing and Moving: If you opt for the government move, the movers will come to your home, pack your belongings, and transport them to your new location. It’s important to be prepared by sorting through your items, decluttering, and making sure anything valuable or irreplaceable is packed separately. Pro tip: Don’t forget to label everything!

For a PPM, you’ll need to organize transportation and figure out how to safely move your items yourself. Many military families choose this option if they want more control over the process.

4. Housing at Your New Duty Station: Before you move, you’ll want to explore your housing options at your new location. Military housing is available on most installations, but some families choose to live off base. There are pros and cons to both options, so research and decide what works best for your family’s lifestyle. If you’re living on base, contact the housing office at your new installation to apply for housing. If you prefer to live off base, websites like Military By Owner or AHRN can help you find rental properties near your new duty station.
5. Settling In:Once you arrive at your new location, the real work begins — unpacking, settling in, and adjusting to your new surroundings. Whether you’re moving across the country or overseas, there will be a period of adjustment, but it’s also an opportunity to explore a new place and meet new friends.

What to Expect During a PCS

For a foreign-born military spouse, a PCS can feel overwhelming, but the good news is that many military families have been through this process before, and there are resources to help you navigate it. Here’s what you can expect during a PCS move:

1. Culture Shock (Especially for Overseas Moves): Moving to a new country or state might feel like culture shock, especially if it’s your first time living in that location. You’ll have to adapt to new customs, languages, or even climates. Give yourself time to adjust and embrace the opportunity to experience a new place.
2. Military Support: The military offers a lot of support to help you through your move. Programs like Military OneSource and the Relocation Assistance Program can provide guidance, counseling, and even financial support during your PCS.
3. Paperwork (Lots of It!): PCS moves come with a fair amount of paperwork — from housing applications to transportation requests. Keep organized by creating a folder for all your important documents related to the move. You’ll thank yourself later!
4. Changing Schools: If you have children, moving to a new school district can be one of the most challenging parts of a PCS. Schools on or near military bases often have experience working with military families and helping children transition smoothly. Resources like School Liaison Officers are available to help you with the school enrollment process.
5. Emotional Adjustments: Moving is stressful for everyone — military spouses, children, and even pets! Expect a range of emotions, from excitement to frustration, as you prepare for your PCS. Make time for self-care and talk to other military spouses who have been through it. You’re not alone!

Tips for a Smooth PCS Move

• Stay Organized: Keep all your important documents, including orders and receipts, in one place. Having a dedicated PCS binder can help.
• Take Inventory: Make a detailed list of your household items and their condition before the movers arrive. This will help if you need to file a claim for any lost or damaged items.
• Start Early: Don’t wait until the last minute to start packing or making arrangements. PCS moves can happen fast, but a little planning can make a big difference.
• Ask for Help: Don’t be afraid to reach out to your support system — family, friends, or military resources. PCS moves are a team effort!
• Stay Positive: Moving is tough, but it’s also an adventure. Embrace the opportunities that come with living in a new place, whether it’s exploring a new city, meeting new people, or learning about a new culture.

PCS Resources for Military Spouses

Here are some resources to help you navigate the PCS process and make your move as smooth as possible:

1. Military One Source PCS Resources – Offers tips, checklists, and support for every stage of your PCS move.
2. Defense Personal Property System (DPS) – The official site for managing your PCS move, whether it’s government-organized or a PPM.
3. Military By Owner – Helps you find housing options near your new duty station, including rentals and homes for sale.
4. Relocation Assistance Program – Provides assistance for military families moving to a new installation.
5. Move.mil – A comprehensive site for everything related to military moves, including instructions, forms, and more.
6. School Liaison Officers – Helps military families navigate school enrollment and educational transitions during a PCS.
7. PCSgrades – A review site for military families moving to new locations, offering reviews of neighborhoods, schools, and housing.
8. Housing Options for Service Members and Families – Contact your new installation’s housing office to learn more about on-base housing options.
9. Armed Forces Housing Advocates – Provides support and advocacy for military families navigating housing challenges.
10. USO Transition Program · United Service Organizations – Offers transition support, including PCS-related resources and information.

A PCS move is a major life event, but with the right tools and mindset, it can be a smooth and exciting process. As a foreign-born military spouse, you’re already accustomed to adapting to new situations — this is just another chapter in your military journey. Remember to stay organized, use the resources available to you, and take it one step at a time.

Before you know it, you’ll be settling into your new home, ready to start the next adventure with your service member. And hey, PCS moves can also mean new opportunities, new friends, and new experiences

— so embrace the ride!