--- title: Military PCS Quick Guide Q & A slug: military-quick-guide-q-a description: >- CONUS vs OCONUS PCS moves differ in entitlements, household goods, family logistics—here is what military movers need to plan from VeteranPCS’s guide. publishedAt: '2022-09-20T14:38:39.000Z' updatedAt: '2026-06-22T00:00:00.000Z' author: VeteranPCS categories: - PCS Help canonical: 'https://www.veteranpcs.com/blog/military-quick-guide-q-a' componentSlug: pcs-help --- # Military PCS Quick Guide Q & A When **Uncle Sam makes the call, it's time to move.** Each year, more than **400,000 service members** undergo a **Permanent Change of Station (PCS) move**, relocating to a new duty station, according to [Military OneSource](https://www.militaryonesource.mil/moving-pcs/plan-to-move/). Moving can be challenging, whether it's within the **continental United States (CONUS)** or to an **overseas duty station (OCONUS)**. Having **insight into the PCS process** can help you prepare for a **smoother transition**. This guide answers common PCS-related questions to help you navigate your move with confidence. ## **What Is a Military PCS Move?** A **Permanent Change of Station (PCS) move** is an **official relocation order** transferring a service member from one duty station to another. ### **How Does a PCS Move Work?** There are **three main types** of **CONUS military moves**: **Government-Hired Movers (Household Goods Move - HHG)** - The military arranges for movers to pack, transport, and unpack your belongings. - **Pros:** Less physical work for you. - **Cons:** Less control over your items and possible delays. **Personally Procured Move (PPM) / Do-It-Yourself (DITY) Move** - You handle the move yourself and get reimbursed for the expenses. - **Pros:** Full control over your belongings, potential profit if costs are lower than reimbursement. - **Cons:** More work for you and your family. **Partial-PPM / Partial-DITY Move** - A hybrid approach where some belongings are moved by the military, and some you move yourself. - **Pros:** Flexibility in handling certain items yourself. Once you receive **PCS orders**, work with your new installation’s **Relocation Assistance Program** for guidance on settling in. For a full walkthrough, pair this guide with our [ultimate PCS checklist and timeline](/blog/the-ultimate-pcs-checklist-and-timeline-for-active-duty-military-personnel) and our breakdown of [your PCS entitlements and benefits](/blog/prepare-to-pcs-understanding-your-pcs-entitlements-and-benefits). ## **When Is Military PCS Season?** PCS moves happen **year-round**, but the **majority of all military moves occur during the summer "PCS season" between May and August**. ### **Why is this important?** - Moving companies get **backlogged**, leading to **delays** and **limited scheduling options**. - **Book moving services as early as possible** to avoid last-minute stress. ## **Can You Deny Military PCS Orders?** Technically, **yes**, but **it comes with consequences**. ### **Your Options:** - **Request a Deferral** – This delays your move for a set period. - **Discuss with Your Personnel Department** – Each military branch has different rules regarding PCS denials. **Warning:** Denying orders **without proper approval** can result in **career setbacks**, including denial of promotions or administrative actions. Always consult with **your chain of command** before making a decision. ## **Is Military PCS Travel Pay Taxable?** Yes, **PCS travel pay is taxable**, but only under certain circumstances. - **If you receive reimbursement for a PPM/DITY move**, you will owe taxes on that amount. - **You will receive a special W-2** (separate from your regular W-2) to report this income. Consider setting aside part of your reimbursement to cover **potential tax liabilities** when filing. ## **What Is a PPM (DITY) Move, and Can You Make Money on It?** A **Personally Procured Move (PPM)**, once called a **Do-It-Yourself (DITY) move**, lets you move some or all of your household goods yourself instead of using government-hired movers. The military reimburses you based on the government's cost to move your authorized weight, and if your actual costs come in lower, you may keep the difference. Keep every receipt and weigh your loaded and empty vehicle or truck at a certified scale, because your payment and any taxable profit are based on those **weight tickets**. A PPM takes more effort, but it can pay off for organized families with lighter loads. ## **How Long Does a PCS Move Take?** There is no single answer, because it depends on the distance, the season, and whether your move is **CONUS or OCONUS**. Government-arranged shipments often quote a delivery window of a few weeks once your goods are picked up, and overseas shipments can take a month or more. The busy summer PCS season stretches those timelines further. Build a cushion into your plans, hand-carry the essentials you will need right away, and ask your transportation office for a realistic delivery spread for your shipment. Tracking your shipment online and staying in touch with your move coordinator can also help you plan your arrival, temporary lodging, and the first nights in your new home. ## **Need More PCS Help? Contact Us!** Have more PCS-related questions? We’re here to help. **Email us at** info@veteranpcs.com ### More PCS Resources Heading overseas? Read our guide to [preparing for an overseas PCS](/blog/preparing-for-an-overseas-pcs-a-guide-for-military-families) and what to do with [your home before an OCONUS move](/blog/pcsing-oconus-what-do-i-do-with-my-home). Before the truck arrives, learn [how to prepare for the movers](/blog/prepare-to-pcs-how-do-i-prepare-for-movers) and [what you need to know before you PCS](/blog/preparing-to-pcs-what-you-need-to-know). ### **Buying or Selling a Home?** Moving with PCS orders? [Connect with a VeteranPCS agent](https://www.veteranpcs.com/contact-agent) to find military-friendly housing near your new duty station. Our network includes: - **PCS-friendly real estate agents** - **VA Loan specialists** - **Guidance on housing near your new duty station** _This content is for informational purposes. Consult a professional for personal financial decisions._ _Share this guide with a fellow military family getting ready to PCS._