What To Know Before Your OCONUS Move

Moving outside of the continental U.S. can be an intimidating reality for those facing it, but it doesn’t have to be a stressful time.  Let’s take a look at what a typical OCONUS PCS might look like. 

Your move begins with an assignment notification—whether it be through email, phone call, or notification from a supervisor. It’s crucial to understand that an assignment notification is not the same as orders. In this stage, you might begin looking at places to live on or near your near duty station. You may begin organizing your belongings or purging things you don’t need. Don’t make any permanent decisions (such as buying a home) until you have hard orders in hand. 

When those orders come in, check to ensure that all details are accurate. In addition to your name, social security number, etc., make sure that it has the correct new duty station, dependent information and report date. If you see an error, let someone know immediately so it can be corrected as soon as possible.

PCSing with family? Check to see if your dependents are specifically listed on the orders. If they are not, you’ll need to get Command Sponsorship, or “Accompanied Orders”. This can be done by submitting a formal request for “Accompanied Orders” through the service member’s chain of command. Be aware, getting your command’s approval isn’t a guarantee. 

Command Sponsorship Benefits include:

·      Being reimbursed for dependent travel + housing expenses (keep detailed records)

·      Higher housing allowance

·      Higher weight entitlement to move household goods

·      Dependents have access to medical + legal services 

·      The right to stay in your host country without using a visa

Without Command Sponsorship:

·      Expenses for dependents will be out of pocket

·      Your BAH (basic housing allowance) will be affected

·      Your family might not automatically have the right to live with you at your new location

·      They may need visas

• Status of Forces Agreement, or SOFA, associated with the country where you will be living. Failure to do so could result in large fines.

Your POV: You should start getting familiar with official information on shipping or storing your vehicle. Contact the closest destination Vehicle Processing Center (VPC) that services your new duty station for more information. 

Next, it’s time to schedule your move. Use the Defense Personal Property System to upload orders and create a shipment. Then, take your DD forms generated from DPS to the local transportation office. You will then get matched with a moving company and confirm your packing and moving dates. 

Information that you should have from the DPS include: 

·      Contact information

·      Estimated Weight 

·      Pick-up and delivery locations

·      Dates for pick-up and delivery 

·      Special items such as large electronics, boat, guns, etc.

·      Professional-Gear

Now, it’s time to start thinking about what to bring with you and what you might want to leave behind in storage, sell or donate. When deciding, consider:

·      Does my next command provide a fully furnished house? Check with your local transportation office.

·      Am I permitted to bring my dependents? Your orders will tell you. 

·      Does my host country restrict weight allowance?

·      What should I do with my POV, or personally owned vehicle?

Now that you have an idea of what you’d like to bring, separate items into three groups:

1.     Items that will be packed in your suitcase (clothes, toiletries, documents)

2.     Items that will ship with HHGs (furniture, TV, etc.)

3.     Items that will ship in an unaccompanied baggage (linens, pots and pans, etc.)

On packing day, the movers will have a company come to your home and put all of your items into boxes as fast as possible. The boxes will then be loaded onto a moving truck (this could be several days later FYI). All of your boxes will be labeled, stickered, and inventoried. The movers will be responsible for getting your goods to the final destination. 

Once your personal bags are packed, you’re ready to go! Even if you’re taking a military flight, ensure that everyone has a valid passport. Unless your destination is Alaska or Hawaii. Family members not on Orders may need visas. Don’t forget to have your important files on hand, along with items like medication. A long flight might be more comfortable with items like a good book, a snack, or an iPad. When you arrive in your host country, expect some in-processing steps like briefings, trips to different bases, etc. 

Your HHGs will arrive shortly after, so prepare for the unloading and moving into your new home. Most of all, take a deep breath! Enjoy that your move is coming to an end and start settling into your new location. You did it!