What To Expect On Your Orders

A permanent change of station, or PCS, is a common part of the military lifestyle. Living in different parts of the country and the world can be an amazing experiencing for service members and their families. In fact, traveling and experiencing new cultures could have been a reason you joined! It is very common for many people who join. More than 400,000 service members and there families PCS each year, so you can expect PCS orders at some point during your career. 

If you've never received orders, you may be wondering what all will be on them. 

Unlike temporary travel assignments, PCS orders are a long-term assignment, generally two to four years depending on the branch. Broadly speaking, your orders will tell you where you’ll be moving to – either CONUS or OCONUS. 

•CONUS: Moves inside the continental United States 

•OCONUS: Moves outside the continental United States--These are typically overseas moves, but OCONUS also includes Alaska, Hawaii and U.S. Territories 

Your orders will also include:

•Issue Date

•Issuer's Name

•Order Number

•Authorized Locations 

If you plan to coordinate your move through the military, you will need to have all of this information handy! Keep several copies of your orders and have them on hand during the PCS process.