PCS Orders and Overview

Start Here If You Are New to PCS

Permanent Change of Station is a permanent move from one duty station to another. The orders specify your new PDS, the report date, and the entitlements you receive (DLA, TLE, HHG, POV, per diem). The Joint Travel Regulations Chapter 5 governs PCS allowances. Marine Corps Order 1000.6 and MCO 1300.8MCO 1300.8 govern the assignment process. PCS orders typically arrive 90 days before the report date, giving you time for HHG coordination, school changes, dependent travel, and final out-processing. The JTR controls what the Government pays for. The Marine Corps assignment policy controls who, when, and where.

This page walks you through PCS orders and the foundational framework from your seat as a General Marine. By the end you will know.

• The PCS orders structure and what they authorize
• The seven PCS types (accession, regular, separation, retirement, COT, RAT, training)
• Service agreements and their impact
• The Marine Corps assignment process (MMEA/MMOA for officers, MMEA-3 for enlisted)
• The relationship between JTR allowances and Marine Corps assignment policy
• The 90-day pre-PCS window and key actions

Every fact on this page comes from the DoD Joint Travel Regulations Chapter 5, MCO 1000.6MCO 1000.6 (3 July 2013), MCO 1300.8MCO 1300.8 (current changes), DoDI 1315.18DoDI 1315.18, Title 37 U.S.C.Title 37 U.S.C., and Title 10 U.S.C.Title 10 U.S.C.

What PCS Is

Per JTR Chapter 5 paragraph 050101, a Permanent Change of Station is a relocation to or from a permanent duty station for the purposes of duty performance.

The PCS is "permanent" because the Marine remains at the new PDS until the next PCS or separation. PCS contrasts with TDY (temporary duty), which is a short-term assignment with a return to the original PDS.

PCS Orders Structure

A PCS order is a written document authorizing the Marine to relocate. The order specifies.

• The new Permanent Duty Station (PDS).
• The Report Not Later Than (RNLT) date or the proceed date and report date.
• The travel time authorized.
• The mode of travel authorized (POV, commercial air, government transportation, mixed).
• The HHG entitlement.
• The dependent travel authorization.
• The accounting line for the financial entitlements.
• Special instructions (TDY en route, school orders, etc.).

The unit S-1 receives the PCS order through MCTFS and provides it to the Marine. The Marine reviews the order and identifies any errors or modifications needed.

The Seven PCS Types

Per JTR Chapter 5 paragraph 050102 and MCO 1000.6MCO 1000.6.

1. Accession PCS

Travel from the place of acceptance into Active Duty to the first PDS. Common scenarios.

• Recruit from MEPS to MCRD (San Diego or Parris Island) for boot camp.
• Officer from civilian acceptance through OCS to TBS to first PDS.
• Direct commission accession to a duty station.

2. Regular PCS

Movement between two duty stations during the active service career. Common scenarios.

• 1st PCS after first duty station (typically 2 to 3 years in).
• Mid-career PCS to school or a new operational unit.
• Late-career PCS to a senior billet.

3. Separation PCS

Travel from the last duty station to the home of selection (HOS) following honorable separation from Active Duty. The Marine selects the HOS from authorized locations per JTR Chapter 5 paragraph 050203.

4. Retirement PCS

Travel from the last duty station to the home of selection following 20+ years and retirement. Similar framework to Separation PCS but with retirement-specific allowances.

5. Consecutive Overseas Tour (COT)

Travel from one OCONUS PDS to a second OCONUS PDS without returning to CONUS in between. The COT framework provides specific entitlements and incentives. The Renewal Agreement Travel page covers RAT and COT in detail.

6. Renewal Agreement Travel (RAT)

Travel back to CONUS during an OCONUS tour extension agreement. The Marine returns to the same OCONUS PDS after the home leave. RAT is part of the OTEIP framework. The Renewal Agreement Travel page covers RAT.

7. Training PCS

Travel to a school or training course that results in a permanent reassignment after completion. Common scenarios.

• E-5 or E-6 attending PME schools en route to a new unit.
• Officer attending Career-Level School (Expeditionary Warfare School, EWS) or Top Level School (TLS).
• HQMC-funded training resulting in permanent reassignment.

Marine Corps Assignment Process

Per MCO 1000.6MCO 1000.6 and MCO 1300.8MCO 1300.8.

Officer Assignments

Marine Officer assignments are managed by Manpower Management Officer Assignments (MMOA) at HQMC. MMOA assigns officers to billets per the slating board process and considers.

• Years of service and rank.
• MOS (Military Occupational Specialty) qualifications.
• PME completion.
• Career milestones (command, staff billets).
• Service agreement obligations.
• Family considerations (joint spouse, EFMP, hardship).

Enlisted Assignments

Marine Enlisted assignments are managed by Manpower Management Enlisted Assignments (MMEA). MMEA assigns Marines E-3 through E-9 per the assignment process and considers.

• Time on Station (TOS) requirements.
• MOS qualifications.
• T/O (Table of Organization) requirements at the gaining unit.
• Career progression (B-billet rotations such as Drill Instructor, Recruiter, MSG).
• Family considerations.

Active Reserve Assignments

Active Reserve Marine assignments are managed by Reserve Affairs Personnel Management (RAM-2). The Active Reserve assignment process parallels the AC framework with Reserve-specific considerations.

Service Agreements

Per DoDI 1315.18DoDI 1315.18 and JTR Chapter 5 paragraph 050103, certain PCS situations require a written service agreement. The Marine commits to a specified period of service in exchange for the PCS entitlements.

Common Service Agreement Triggers

• Initial enlistment or commissioning.
• OCONUS PCS (typically 2- or 3-year service obligation at the OCONUS PDS).
• Specific schools or training.
• Bonus-related PCS (SRB, EB tied to a specific assignment).
• Reenlistment with an SDA (e.g., Recruiter, Drill Instructor).

Failure to Complete Service Agreement

A Marine who fails to complete the service agreement (e.g., separates early, requests early reassignment) is subject to recoupment of the unearned portion of PCS-related allowances per Volume 7A Chapter 2.

The Pay Problems and Fixes page covers the recoupment framework.

The 90-Day Pre-PCS Window

A typical PCS order arrives 90 days before the report date. The Marine uses the 90-day window for.

Days 1-30. Order Receipt and Initial Planning

• Receive the PCS order from the unit S-1.
• Verify the order details (PDS, report date, allowances, dependents).
• Identify any required modifications.
• Notify dependents and family of the move.
• Begin researching the new PDS (housing, schools, medical facilities).

Days 31-60. Pre-Move Coordination

• Schedule the HHG move with the Personal Property Office (PPSO).
• Decide on PPM/DITY vs. Government move.
• Coordinate POV shipment if OCONUS.
• Arrange dependent travel (concurrent vs. deferred).
• School records transfer for school-age dependents.
• Medical records transfer.
• Finalize advance leave or PCS leave plan.

Days 61-90. Final Pre-Move Actions

• Complete unit out-processing (OMPF audit, equipment turn-in, security clearance review).
• Schedule the final medical and dental.
• Submit the Outbound Interview through MOL.
• Confirm HHG packing and pickup dates.
• Coordinate temporary lodging at the new PDS. For Marine Corps installations, book Inns of the Corps at https://www.innsofthecorps.com or the 24/7 Reservation Center at 1-(888)-409-STAY (7829). Reservations also work through the MCCS Connect application. Per MARADMIN 234/26MARADMIN 234/26.
• Arrange transportation (commercial air, POV travel route).

Key PCS Documents

DD Form 1614 (Travel Authorization or Orders)

The PCS order in standard DoD format. The Marine carries this throughout the move.

DD Form 1351-2 (Travel Voucher)

Submitted upon arrival at the new PDS to claim DLA, TLE, per diem, MEA, and other entitlements. The Defense Travel System (DTS) processes most travel vouchers electronically.

DD Form 1299 (Application for Shipment / Storage)

Used to request HHG shipment, storage, or PPM/DITY. Submitted through the Personal Property Shipping Office (PPSO).

DD Form 1797 (Personally Procured Move Estimate / Counseling)

Used for PPM/DITY moves. The Marine counsels with the PPSO and receives the estimate.

DD Form 1801 (DoD International Carrier Service)

For OCONUS air travel arrangements through the Air Mobility Command.

Outbound Interview (Marine Online)

The unit-level out-processing checklist completed before departure. Submitted through the MOL Outbound Interview module, not a NAVMC form.

Outbound and Inbound Interviews

Per MCO 1000.6MCO 1000.6 and current MARADMINs.

Outbound Interview

The Marine submits the Outbound Interview through MOL. The S-1 verifies all departure-related items including.

• Final OMPF audit.
• Awards processing.
• Equipment turn-in.
• Quarters clearance.
• Family member documentation.
• Special pay continuation or termination.

Inbound Interview

Upon arrival at the new PDS, the Marine submits the Inbound Interview through MOL. The S-1 at the new PDS verifies arrival, processes the travel voucher, and integrates the Marine into the unit.

Effective Date of Transfer

Per MCO 1000.6MCO 1000.6, the Effective Date of Transfer is the date the Marine is officially assigned to the new PDS. This date.

• Determines the start of TOS at the new PDS for assignment purposes.
• Affects the billet date for promotion timing in some scenarios.
• Drives the BAH transition (the Family and Benefits and BAH pages cover BAH transition).
• Sets the trigger for joint-spouse calculations.

PCS Reporting Requirements

Per PAA 03-25PAA 03-25, active-duty orders writing processes received an update tied to MARADMIN 260/25. Hawaii and Alaska detaching endorsements require port call information per PAA 05-19PAA 05-19. OCONUS PCS via Air Mobility Command Patriot Express requires the documentation specified in PAA 09-20PAA 09-20. Area clearance and dependent entry approval submissions for Marforpac and Korea PCS moves route through AMHS per PAA 09-21PAA 09-21. PCS orders for surviving spouse and children of deceased active duty Marines follow PAA 01-17PAA 01-17.

The Marine reports to the new PDS on the report date or the Report Not Later Than (RNLT) date specified in the orders. Late reporting may be treated as.

• Unauthorized absence (UA) per UCMJ Article 86.
• Failure to obey lawful orders per UCMJ Article 92.

The Marine notifies the gaining unit and the chain of command immediately of any travel disruption preventing on-time arrival.

Delays En Route

Per JTR Chapter 5 paragraph 050306, a Marine on PCS may take leave en route (delay en route) up to 45 days for Active Component Marines without further approval. Extensions beyond 45 days require MMEA/MMOA approval (or RAM-2 for Active Reserve).

The Annual Leave page and the Permissive TAD page cover the leave-and-PTAD frameworks for delay en route. The MPLP page covers parental leave during PCS execution.

Verifying PCS Orders

The Marine verifies the PCS order details before departing.

Step 1. Review the Order

Confirm.

• New PDS and report date.
• Allowances authorized (DLA, TLE, HHG, POV, per diem).
• Dependent travel authorization.
• Mode of travel.
• Travel time authorized.

Step 2. Verify in MOL

Cross-check the order details in MOL.

Step 3. Coordinate with the S-1

The S-1 confirms the financial accounting line and any special instructions.

Step 4. Identify Modifications

If the order needs modification (incorrect dependent count, missing entitlement, etc.), submit the modification request through the chain of command to MMEA/MMOA.

Step 5. Resolve Discrepancies

For PCS-related pay corrections, coordinate with the unit S-1 and the Defense Travel System for voucher submission.

Common Questions Marines Ask

When do I get my PCS orders?

PCS orders typically arrive 90 days before the report date. Some orders may arrive 60 to 120 days out depending on the assignment process.

Who decides where I PCS?

For officers, MMOA assigns billets through the slating process. For enlisted, MMEA-3 assigns Marines per the assignment framework. For Active Reserve, RAM-2 manages assignments. Each branch considers MOS, TOS, T/O requirements, career progression, and family considerations.

Can I refuse a PCS?

PCS orders are lawful orders. Refusing a PCS is treated as failure to obey under UCMJ Article 92. Marines with hardship circumstances submit a hardship request through the chain of command to MMEA/MMOA before the orders are finalized.

What is a service agreement?

A written commitment to serve a specified period in exchange for PCS-related allowances or training. Common triggers include OCONUS tours, specific schools, or bonus-related assignments. Failing to complete the service agreement triggers recoupment of unearned allowances.

Can I take leave during my PCS?

Yes. Leave en route up to 45 days is allowed without further approval. Extensions require MMEA/MMOA approval. The MPLP framework allows parental leave during PCS up to 84 days.

What is the difference between PCS and TDY?

PCS is permanent (the Marine remains at the new PDS). TDY is temporary (the Marine returns to the original PDS). PCS provides DLA, TLE, HHG, and other relocation allowances. TDY provides per diem and lodging without the relocation allowances.

Where do I get help with PCS questions?

Coordinate with your unit S-1, the Personal Property Shipping Office (PPSO), the Family Readiness Officer, and the Marine Corps Family Programs. The Defense Travel Management Office (DTMO) and the JTR website are also key resources.

Where to Go for Help

Routing by Issue

• PCS order receipt and verification. Through your unit S-1 and MOL.
• PCS modification request. Through chain of command to MMEA/MMOA (Officers) or MMEA-3 (Enlisted) or RAM-2 (Active Reserve).
• HHG and PPM coordination. Through the Personal Property Shipping Office (PPSO) at your installation.
• Travel voucher submission. Through the Defense Travel System (DTS).
• DTMO Joint Travel Regulations. https://www.travel.dod.mil/Policy-Regulations/Joint-Travel-Regulations/.
• 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.
• Dislocation Allowance covers the PCS DLA framework.
• Temporary Lodging Expense covers TLE during CONUS PCS.
• Household Goods and PPM covers HHG shipment and PPM moves.
• POV Shipment and Mileage covers POV transportation.
• PCS Per Diem covers per diem during PCS travel days.
• Member and Dependent Travel covers travel modes and dependent eligibility.

Related Roles

• Leaders coach Marines on the 90-day pre-PCS timeline and ensure timely out-processing.
• Admin at S-1 receives PCS orders, verifies entitlements, processes Outbound and Inbound Interviews, and routes corrections through DFAS Marine Corps Pay.
• Commanders endorse hardship requests, manage T/O changes due to PCS, and coordinate with MMEA/MMOA for unit manning impacts.

PCS is the foundational relocation framework. The JTR Chapter 5 governs allowances. MCO 1000.6MCO 1000.6 and MCO 1300.8MCO 1300.8 govern Marine Corps assignment policy. The 90-day pre-PCS window is the planning runway. MMOA and MMEA-3 are the assignment authorities. Service agreements lock in obligations. Failure to complete triggers recoupment.