Member and Dependent Travel

Start Here If You Are New to Travel Modes

A Marine on PCS travels by one of several authorized modes. Government transportation (commercial air booked through DTS or Air Mobility Command), POV (driving), or mixed mode (combining transportation types). Authorized dependents travel concurrently with the Marine, deferred (follow later), or in advance. Dependent eligibility is documented through DEERS. OCONUS PCS may have command-sponsored vs. non-command-sponsored dependents with different travel and benefit frameworks. Per JTR Chapter 5.

This page walks you through travel modes and dependent travel from your seat as a General Marine. By the end you will know.

• The four travel modes (commercial air, government transport, POV, mixed)
• Dependent eligibility per DEERS
• Concurrent vs. deferred vs. advance dependent travel
• Travel restrictions for OCONUS or restricted areas
• Command-sponsored vs. non-command-sponsored dependents at OCONUS
• The DTS booking framework

Every fact on this page comes from JTR Chapter 5 paragraphs 050201 and 053001, DoDD 1315.18DoDD 1315.18, and the DEERS framework.

Member Transportation Modes

Per JTR Chapter 5 paragraph 050201, the Marine on PCS uses one of these authorized travel modes.

Commercial Air

Booked through the Defense Travel System (DTS) using the DoD City Pair Program at GSA-contracted rates. Common for OCONUS PCS and long-distance CONUS PCS.

Government Transportation

Provided by Air Mobility Command (AMC) for OCONUS PCS. Space-A or Space-Required (SR) booking through AMC.

POV (Privately Owned Vehicle)

The Marine drives the POV between the old and new PDS. MALT mileage reimburses at approximately $0.18 per mile. The POV Shipment and Mileage page covers MALT.

Mixed Mode

Combination of commercial air, government transport, and POV. Common for OCONUS PCS where the Marine flies but ships the POV separately.

Travel Mode Selection

The Marine selects the travel mode based on.

• The PCS orders authorization (some orders specify the mode).
• Distance and feasibility (POV impractical for OCONUS).
• Personal preference.
• Cost-to-Government considerations (Government transportation is preferred when available at the same or lower cost).

Dependent Eligibility

Per JTR Chapter 5 paragraph 053001 and the JTR Definitions, a dependent for PCS travel purposes includes.

Spouse

The Marine's legal spouse documented in DEERS.

Children

• Biological children under age 21 (or under 23 if a full-time student).
• Adopted children.
• Stepchildren.
• Foster children in legal custody.

Parents

Parents are dependents for PCS travel purposes if the Marine claims them as dependents in DEERS and they meet the JTR dependency criteria.

Other Family Members

Other family members may qualify as dependents under specific circumstances per the JTR.

DEERS Documentation

All dependents must be enrolled in DEERS before PCS travel is authorized. The Marine.

• Verifies DEERS enrollment for all dependents.
• Updates DEERS as needed (marriage, birth, adoption, divorce).
• Provides DEERS documentation to the gaining unit S-1.

The Family and Benefits page covers DEERS in detail.

Concurrent Travel

Per JTR Chapter 5 paragraph 053001, concurrent travel means the dependents travel with the Marine to the new PDS. The dependents.

• Depart the old PDS at the same time as the Marine (or coordinated travel).
• Arrive at the new PDS together.
• Receive PCS allowances (per diem, DLA-with-dependent rate) at the time of the Marine's PCS.

Concurrent travel is the standard framework for most PCS scenarios.

Deferred Travel

Per JTR Chapter 5 paragraph 053001, deferred travel means the dependents follow the Marine to the new PDS at a later date. Common scenarios.

• Marine arrives early to secure permanent housing before the family moves.
• School-age children complete the current semester before joining the Marine.
• Spouse completes a job transition or other commitment.
• OCONUS scenarios where command sponsorship is pending.

The Marine receives the without-dependent rate at the initial PCS. When the dependents arrive, the Marine claims the with-dependent DLA and other dependent-related allowances.

Advance Dependent Travel

Per JTR Chapter 5 paragraph 053001, advance dependent travel means the dependents travel to the new PDS BEFORE the Marine. Common scenarios.

• Spouse and children arrive at the new PDS to enroll children in school before the Marine completes the current assignment.
• Family logistics requiring earlier dependent positioning.

Advance travel typically requires command approval and specific JTR conditions.

OCONUS Command Sponsorship

For OCONUS PCS, dependent travel and continued OCONUS presence depends on COMMAND SPONSORSHIP.

Command-Sponsored Dependents

Command-sponsored dependents are authorized.

• Government-funded travel to the OCONUS PDS.
• BAH at the with-dependent OCONUS rate.
• DEERS enrollment with the Marine's OCONUS unit.
• TRICARE coverage at the OCONUS location.
• Access to OCONUS Marine Corps facilities (commissary, exchange, etc.).
• DODEA school enrollment for school-age children.

Non-Command-Sponsored Dependents

Non-command-sponsored dependents (e.g., dependents who travel to OCONUS at the Marine's expense without command authorization).

• No Government-funded travel.
• Marine receives BAH at the without-dependent rate.
• Limited access to OCONUS Marine Corps facilities.
• No DODEA school enrollment.
• Limited TRICARE coverage.

The Marine submits a command sponsorship request through the gaining unit before OCONUS PCS execution.

Travel Restrictions for Dependents

Per JTR Chapter 5 paragraph 053001 and DoDI directives.

Restricted OCONUS Areas

Some OCONUS PDS are designated as unaccompanied or restricted (no dependents). Marines on orders to these areas travel without dependents. Common reasons.

• Combat zones or hostile environments.
• Specific unaccompanied tour designations (e.g., 12-month Korea tours).
• Operational sensitivity.

Specific Country Restrictions

Some countries impose entry restrictions on military dependents. Coordinate with the gaining unit and the U.S. Embassy for specifics.

Travel to Restricted Foreign Countries

Per the DoD Foreign Clearance Guide, travel to restricted countries (e.g., No-Fly list countries) is prohibited for dependents on PCS travel. The Foreign Leave page covers the framework.

Mixed-Mode Travel

Per JTR Chapter 5, the Marine combines travel modes when practical.

Common Mixed-Mode Scenarios

• Marine flies to the OCONUS PDS while POV ships separately by ocean.
• Family flies one way (OCONUS) but the Marine takes a separate route.
• Joint-spouse coordination where one spouse drives the POV and the other flies with dependents.

Per Diem and MALT for Mixed-Mode

The JTR provides specific calculations for mixed-mode travel covering each segment.

DTS Travel Booking

The Marine books PCS commercial air travel through the Defense Travel System (DTS) using the DoD City Pair Program.

City Pair Program

The City Pair Program provides Government-contracted air fares between major U.S. and international cities. The fares are.

• Lower than typical commercial fares (negotiated by GSA).
• Flexible (refundable).
• Available 24/7 for booking.

Marines on PCS use the City Pair fares for commercial air booked through DTS.

Government Transportation Booking

Government Air Mobility Command (AMC) flights for OCONUS PCS book through the unit S-1 or directly through AMC. Space-A and Space-Required options have specific frameworks.

Common Questions Marines Ask

I am PCSing from California to Virginia. Should I drive or fly?

The choice depends on personal preference and the orders authorization. POV gives more flexibility but takes longer. Commercial air is faster. The Marine receives MALT mileage for POV or per diem for commercial air. Most Marines drive for CONUS-to-CONUS PCS.

Can my family fly to the new PDS before me?

Per JTR Chapter 5, advance dependent travel is allowed with command approval. Common scenarios include school enrollment timing or family logistics.

What is command sponsorship for OCONUS?

Command sponsorship authorizes dependents to live with the Marine at an OCONUS PDS at Government expense. Without command sponsorship, the Marine receives BAH at the without-dependent rate and dependents do not have access to OCONUS Marine Corps benefits.

What if my dependents are not in DEERS?

Update DEERS before PCS execution. Dependents not in DEERS cannot receive PCS travel allowances or OCONUS benefits.

I am dual-military. How does dependent travel work?

Dual-military couples coordinate PCS through MMOA/MMEA and the joint-spouse program. Each Marine has their own travel authorization. Dependents travel with one of the Marines (typically the spouse with the more flexible orders). The BAH page and the MPLP page cover dual-military frameworks.

Can I take my pet on PCS?

Pets are not "dependents" for PCS purposes but are typically allowed in HHG shipment or on POV travel. OCONUS PCS may require quarantine, vaccinations, and host-nation pet import procedures. The Personal Property Shipping Office (PPSO) provides pet-specific guidance.

Where to Go for Help

Routing by Issue

• Travel mode and DTS booking. Through DTS at https://dtsproweb.defensetravel.osd.mil/.
• Government Air Mobility Command (AMC) booking. Through your unit S-1.
• Dependent DEERS enrollment. Through milConnect at https://milconnect.dmdc.osd.mil/ or the local ID card office.
• OCONUS command sponsorship request. Through the gaining unit S-1 and Personnel Affairs.
• Joint-spouse PCS coordination. Through MMOA/MMEA and the joint-spouse program.
• DFAS Marine Corps Pay direct contact. Phone 1-888-332-7411 (DSN 312-571-9450 from overseas).

Where to Go Next on This Site

• PCS landing page lists all the PCS topics.
• PCS Orders and Overview covers the foundational PCS framework.
• POV Shipment and Mileage covers POV transportation details.
• PCS Per Diem covers per diem for member and dependents.
• BAH covers the with/without dependent BAH framework.

Related Roles

• Leaders coach Marines on the dependent travel options and command sponsorship requirements.
• Admin at S-1 supports DEERS enrollment, command sponsorship requests, and travel booking through DTS.
• Commanders endorse OCONUS dependent travel and command sponsorship.

Member and dependent travel during PCS uses commercial air, government transport, POV, or mixed mode. Dependents travel concurrently, deferred, or in advance. DEERS documents dependent eligibility. OCONUS requires command sponsorship for full dependent benefits. The DTS handles commercial air booking through the City Pair Program.