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Military PCS: Resources, Tips & Advice | First Command

A husband and wife discussing an upcoming PCS and creating a PCS checklist.

Permanent Change of Station

Military PCS: Resources, Tips & Advice

What is a military PCS?

A PCS (Permanent Change of Station) refers to the relocation of a service member and their family to a new duty station or assignment. It is a normal and frequent part of military life. Relocating to a new duty station and changing assignments can be an exciting time, but it’s also not without its challenges. There are often overlooked financial decisions that need to be made as early as possible to ensure your move goes smoothly and your financial plan remains on track.


How First Command can help with your next PCS

At First Command, we’ve spent over 60 years helping military families manage their finances and prepare for the realities of PCSing. In fact, 9 out of 10 of our Financial Advisors are veterans or military spouses who know exactly what it’s like to experience a change of duty station.

We've put together a number of resources to help you make sense of the finances of your next military move. If you have any questions about PCS entitlements, PCS expenses, PCS loans, or broader financial planning, don't hesitate to reach out. Our Financial Advisors can help.

PCS Entitlements & Expenses

One of the biggest PCS-related challenges that service members and their families grapple with is figuring out what is and isn’t covered during a move. This guide offers information on PCS entitlements and expenses, including details on per diems, moving weight limits, travel mileage, hotels, airfare, storage and more.

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PCS Checklist

Moving is always a busy, stressful time. And with the immediate focus on the details of the move itself – packing, transportation, housing – it’s easy for your financial plan to take a back seat. This free checklist can help you make sure nothing in your financial plan is missed before, during and after your move.

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PCS FAQ

Even military families who have been through several moves encounter new scenarios and have questions. Our PCS FAQ section answers some of the most commonly asked financial questions about military moves, providing helpful information about BAH, DLA, travel days, costs and more.

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PCS Loans

At First Command, most of our Advisors are veterans or military spouses who have been through more than one PCS themselves! Their experiences and insights have led us to develop and offer a number of products that can help military families manage their finances during a move, including personal lines of credit and single pay notes to help manage unexpected costs associated with PCSing.

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Find Your Advisor

First Command has been helping families overcome the challenges of military moves for more than 60 years, and we’re well equipped to help you get your finances squared away before you embark on your next PCS. Don’t forget to check in with your Advisor as soon as you know you will be moving. And if you’re not already working with a First Command Financial Advisor, visit our Get Started page to locate the office closest to you.