PCS Move Planning & Management
PCS Move Essentials
Permanent Change of Station moves are a fact of military life. Smart planning reduces stress and helps your family thrive in each new location.
PCS Timeline Checklist
6-12
months
months
Initial Planning
- • Research new duty station and local area
- • Start school research if you have children
- • Begin housing options exploration
- • Create PCS binder for organizing documents
- • Update spouse employment strategy for new location
3-6
months
months
Administrative Preparation
- • Schedule house hunting trip if needed
- • Obtain PCS orders and additional copies
- • Research and contact moving companies
- • Start school enrollment process
- • Update spouse resume for new job market
1-3
months
months
Move Execution
- • Finalize housing arrangements
- • Schedule household goods shipment
- • Transfer medical and school records
- • Plan travel timeline and stops
- • Arrange spouse employment transition
1-6
weeks
weeks
Settlement & Integration
- • Complete in-processing requirements
- • Establish new healthcare and services
- • Enroll children in school and activities
- • Build new social and professional networks
- • Resume spouse employment or education
PCS Move Financial Tips
Before You Move
- • Understand your PCS entitlements
- • Keep detailed receipts for reimbursements
- • Budget for temporary lodging expenses
- • Plan for spouse employment gap
After You Move
- • Submit reimbursement claims promptly
- • Update banking and financial accounts
- • Adjust budget for new cost of living
- • Research new area financial resources
Spouse Career Development
Career Challenges & Opportunities
Military spouses face unique career challenges including frequent moves, deployment gaps, and licensing issues. However, many opportunities exist for building a successful career.
Remote Work & Portable Career Options
Technology & IT
- • Software development and coding
- • Digital marketing and social media
- • Graphic design and user experience
- • Cybersecurity and data analysis
- • Technical writing and documentation
Creative & Communication
- • Content creation and copywriting
- • Photography and videography
- • Online tutoring and education
- • Virtual assistance and project management
- • Freelance consulting in your expertise
Healthcare & Wellness
- • Telehealth and virtual counseling
- • Health coaching and nutrition
- • Fitness training and wellness programs
- • Medical coding and administration
- • Mental health and family support
Business & Finance
- • Bookkeeping and accounting services
- • Financial planning and consulting
- • E-commerce and online retail
- • Business coaching and development
- • Real estate (with reciprocal licensing)
Professional Licensing & Portability
Interstate License Compact Programs
Many states participate in compact programs that allow licensed professionals to practice across state lines without obtaining new licenses.
Available Compacts
- • Nursing License Compact (NLC)
- • Psychology Interjurisdictional Compact (PSYPACT)
- • Emergency Medical Services Compact
- • Occupational Therapy Compact
- • Physical Therapy Compact
Military Spouse Benefits
- • Expedited licensing in many states
- • Reduced fees for license transfers
- • Extended renewal periods during PCS
- • Temporary practice permits available
Building Your Professional Network
Military Spouse Organizations
- • Military Spouse Employment Partnership (MSEP): Corporate partners offering remote work opportunities
- • Armed Forces Communications and Electronics Association (AFCEA): Technology and defense industry networking
- • Military Child Education Coalition (MCEC): Education and family advocacy careers
- • Operation Homefront: Non-profit and social services career paths
Professional Development Resources
- • MyCAA (Military Spouse Career Advancement Accounts): Up to $4,000 for certifications and training
- • SECO (Spouse Education and Career Opportunities): Career coaching and job search assistance
- • Military Family Life Counselors (MFLC): Career transition counseling
- • Installation Education Centers: Local training and certification programs
Deployment & Separation Support
Deployments and extended separations are challenging for military families. Preparation and support systems are key to managing these periods successfully.
Pre-Deployment Preparation
Legal & Financial Preparation
- • Update or create wills and power of attorney
- • Ensure spouse has access to all accounts
- • Set up automatic bill payments
- • Create emergency contact lists
- • Review insurance beneficiaries
Communication Planning
- • Establish regular communication schedule
- • Set up video calling platforms
- • Plan special occasion celebrations
- • Create shared digital calendars
- • Prepare emergency communication plan
Family Preparation
- • Age-appropriate deployment discussions with children
- • Establish new routines and responsibilities
- • Create countdown calendars or visual aids
- • Plan special activities and traditions
- • Identify support persons for spouse
Practical Arrangements
- • Arrange for household maintenance and repairs
- • Identify emergency contacts and services
- • Plan mail and package management
- • Arrange transportation backup plans
- • Prepare emergency fund access
During Deployment Support
Self-Care Strategies for Spouses
Physical Wellness
- • Maintain regular exercise routine
- • Prioritize nutrition and meal planning
- • Ensure adequate sleep schedule
- • Schedule regular health checkups
Mental & Emotional
- • Practice stress management techniques
- • Maintain social connections
- • Pursue hobbies and interests
- • Consider counseling support if needed
Professional Growth
- • Use time for career development
- • Take online courses or certifications
- • Volunteer in community organizations
- • Build professional networks
Supporting Children During Deployment
Communication & Connection
- • Regular video calls with deployed parent
- • Share daily activities through photos/videos
- • Read bedtime stories via video call
- • Create joint projects or activities
- • Send care packages together
Emotional Support
- • Acknowledge and validate their feelings
- • Maintain consistent routines
- • Connect with other military children
- • Use school counseling resources
- • Plan special reunion activities
Family Transition Strategies
Helping Children Adapt to Military Life
School Transitions
- • Research schools before PCS moves
- • Request records transfers early
- • Communicate with new teachers about military life
- • Connect with other military families at school
- • Maintain academic continuity through moves
Social & Emotional Support
- • Encourage participation in activities and sports
- • Help maintain long-distance friendships
- • Connect with family readiness groups
- • Use installation youth programs
- • Consider counseling for adjustment difficulties
Building Resilient Military Families
Family Communication Strategies
- • Regular family meetings: Discuss upcoming changes and challenges together
- • Open communication: Encourage questions and honest expression of feelings
- • Shared goals: Work toward family objectives that build unity
- • Tradition building: Create family traditions that can travel with you
- • Positive framing: Present military life challenges as adventures and opportunities
Stress Management for Families
- • Routine maintenance: Keep consistent schedules even during transitions
- • Physical activity: Exercise together as a family for stress relief
- • Mindfulness practices: Age-appropriate meditation and relaxation techniques
- • Support networks: Build relationships with other military families
- • Professional help: Utilize family counseling resources when needed
Benefits & Resources
Military Spouse-Specific Benefits
MyCAA (Military Spouse Career Advancement Accounts)
- • Up to $4,000 for career training and certifications
- • Available to spouses of active duty E1-E5, W1-W2, O1-O2
- • Covers licenses, certifications, and technical training
- • Includes career coaching and counseling services
Popular Programs: IT certifications, healthcare credentials, project management, real estate licensing
SECO (Spouse Education and Career Opportunities)
- • Career coaching and counseling services
- • Job search assistance and resume help
- • Networking events and career fairs
- • Professional development workshops
Services: One-on-one coaching, group workshops, online resources, career assessments
MSEP (Military Spouse Employment Partnership)
- • Network of 400+ corporate partners
- • Remote work and flexible career opportunities
- • Direct access to military spouse-friendly employers
- • Career advancement programs with partner companies
Partners Include: Amazon, Microsoft, USAA, Starbucks, and many federal agencies
Dependent Benefits & Services
- • TRICARE healthcare coverage
- • Commissary and exchange privileges
- • MWR (Morale, Welfare, and Recreation) programs
- • Child Development Centers (CDC)
Extended Benefits: Emergency financial assistance, family support programs, respite care
Emergency & Crisis Resources
When You Need Immediate Help
Financial Crisis
- • Army Emergency Relief (AER)
- • Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society
- • Air Force Aid Society
- • Coast Guard Mutual Assistance
- • Operation Homefront
Family Crisis & Mental Health
- • Military Family Life Counselors (MFLC)
- • Family Advocacy Programs
- • Chaplain Services
- • Military Crisis Line: 1-800-273-8255
- • National Domestic Violence Hotline
Education & Training Opportunities
Educational Benefits for Military Spouses
Transferred GI Bill Benefits
- • Service member can transfer benefits to spouse
- • Covers tuition, housing allowance, and books
- • Must be used within 15 years of transfer
- • Can be used for undergraduate, graduate, or trade school
Important: Service member must have 6+ years of service and commit to 4 additional years
Scholarship Programs
- • Military Child Education Coalition scholarships
- • Armed Forces Communications and Electronics Association
- • Military Officers Association of America
- • Service-specific spouse scholarships
Tip: Many scholarships are available specifically for military spouses - research early and apply often
Online Learning & Flexible Education
Military Spouse-Friendly Schools
These institutions offer programs specifically designed for military families, with flexible scheduling and military-friendly policies.
Fully Online Programs
- • Penn State World Campus
- • University of Maryland Global Campus
- • Southern New Hampshire University
- • Arizona State University Online
Military-Focused Programs
- • American Military University
- • Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
- • Troy University
- • Central Texas College
Professional Certifications & Skills Training
Technology
- • Google Career Certificates
- • Amazon Web Services (AWS)
- • Microsoft Certified Professional
- • CompTIA IT Certifications
Business & Finance
- • Project Management Professional (PMP)
- • Certified Public Accountant (CPA)
- • Financial Planning Certifications
- • Real Estate Licensing
Healthcare
- • Medical Coding and Billing
- • Pharmacy Technician
- • Dental Hygienist
- • Mental Health Counseling
Building Support Networks
Installation-Based Support
Family Readiness Groups (FRG)
- • Unit-specific spouse organizations
- • Information sharing and communication
- • Social events and family activities
- • Volunteer opportunities and leadership roles
- • Support during deployments and emergencies
Spouse Clubs & Organizations
- • Officers' and Enlisted spouses' clubs
- • Professional networking groups
- • Interest-based clubs (book clubs, fitness, crafts)
- • Volunteer and community service organizations
- • Cultural and international spouse groups
Online Communities & Resources
Digital Support Networks
Facebook Groups
- • Military Spouse Support groups
- • Installation-specific spouse pages
- • PCS and moving support groups
- • Military spouse entrepreneur networks
- • Branch-specific spouse communities
Professional Platforms
- • LinkedIn military spouse groups
- • Industry-specific professional networks
- • Military spouse mentorship programs
- • Career-focused online communities
- • Entrepreneurship support networks
Building Your Personal Network
- • Start early: Begin building connections as soon as you arrive at a new duty station
- • Be active: Participate in spouse events and volunteer opportunities
- • Offer support: Help other spouses to build mutual relationships
- • Stay connected: Maintain friendships even after PCS moves
- • Diverse networks: Connect with both military and civilian communities
Preparing for Civilian Life
Planning for Military Retirement or Separation
Early Planning is Essential
While your service member handles their transition planning, military spouses have their own preparation to consider for successful civilian integration.
2-3
years
years
Long-Term Planning
- • Begin civilian location research and selection
- • Start building civilian professional networks
- • Consider educational goals and timing
- • Begin financial planning for transition
- • Research spouse career opportunities in target area
1-2
years
years
Active Preparation
- • Finalize education or certification programs
- • Build civilian resume and professional portfolio
- • Research schools and activities for children
- • Begin networking in target civilian community
- • Plan family discussions about transition
6-12
months
months
Transition Execution
- • Actively pursue employment opportunities
- • Finalize housing arrangements in civilian location
- • Complete school enrollment and transfers
- • Arrange for benefits and insurance transitions
- • Plan for social and community integration
Civilian Integration Strategies
Professional Integration
- • Join civilian professional organizations
- • Attend industry conferences and networking events
- • Volunteer in community organizations
- • Consider civilian mentorship opportunities
- • Adapt communication style for civilian workplace
Family & Social Integration
- • Research community activities and organizations
- • Connect with local parent and family groups
- • Explore recreational and fitness facilities
- • Find civilian healthcare providers
- • Build relationships with neighbors and community
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