PCS with TDY En Route

Start Here If You Are New to PCS with TDY En Route

PCS with TDY en route is when a Marine PCSes through a school, training course, or other TDY location before reporting to the final new PDS. Common scenarios include the Marine Corps PME schools, MOS-specific training, and overseas in-processing courses. The orders combine BOTH a TDY authorization (for the school period) AND a PCS authorization (for the final move). Per diem rules differ between the TDY portion and the PCS travel portion. Travel time computation reflects both components. Per JTR Chapter 5 paragraphs 0532-0533.

This page walks you through PCS with TDY en route from your seat as a General Marine. By the end you will know.

• The combined orders structure
• TDY portion vs. PCS portion entitlements
• Per diem rules (TDY rate during the school period, PCS rate during the travel days)
• Travel time computation
• HHG and POV considerations
• Common scenarios (PME schools, MOS-specific training, OCONUS in-processing)

Every fact on this page comes from JTR Chapter 5 paragraphs 0532 and 0533, and JTR Chapter 4.

What PCS with TDY En Route Is

Per JTR Chapter 5 paragraph 0532, PCS with TDY en route is a single set of orders authorizing.

1. Travel from the old PDS to the TDY location.
2. TDY at the TDY location for the specified duration.
3. Travel from the TDY location to the new PDS.

The Marine is on PCS status for the entire period. The TDY portion in the middle is a special status with TDY-specific entitlements.

Common Scenarios

Marine Corps PME School En Route

Marines selected for resident PME (Expeditionary Warfare School, Top Level School, Sergeant Major Academy) often have orders.

• Old PDS to school location (PCS travel).
• Resident school period (TDY status).
• School to new PDS (PCS travel).

MOS-Specific Training En Route

Marines reassigning to a new MOS may have orders directing MOS school en route.

• Old PDS to MOS school.
• MOS training period (TDY).
• School to new operational unit.

OCONUS In-Processing Training

Marines PCSing OCONUS may have orders directing in-processing or pre-deployment training.

• CONUS PDS to in-processing site.
• In-processing training (TDY).
• In-processing site to OCONUS PDS.

Career-Specific Schools

Marines attending Drill Instructor School, Recruiter School, MSG School, etc. as part of an SDA assignment have PCS-with-TDY orders.

Per Diem During PCS with TDY En Route

Per JTR Chapter 5 paragraph 0532 and JTR Chapter 4.

TDY Portion (At the School or Training Location)

During the TDY period at the school, the Marine receives.

• Per diem at the TDY rate (potentially reduced per diem for long-term TDY beyond 30 days).
• Lodging per the locality rate (Government quarters availability rules apply). When the school or training site is a Marine Corps installation, Marine Lodges and Inns of the Corps are bookable in DTS effective 25 May 2026 per MARADMIN 234/26MARADMIN 234/26. Use is mandatory under the ILP unless the AO issues a certificate of non-availability.
• M&IE per the locality rate.

The TDY Per Diem and TDY Lodging pages cover the TDY framework.

PCS Travel Portion

During the travel days from the old PDS to the TDY location, AND from the TDY location to the new PDS, the Marine receives.

• PCS per diem (member 100 percent, dependents 75 percent or 50 percent).
• MALT mileage if driving POV.

The PCS Per Diem page covers the PCS framework.

Key Distinction

TDY per diem and PCS per diem have different rate structures. TDY uses a single rate. PCS uses member/dependent rate. The voucher must accurately distinguish between the two periods.

Travel Time Computation

Per JTR Chapter 5, the travel time authorized is the sum of.

• Days from old PDS to TDY location.
• Days at the TDY location.
• Days from TDY location to new PDS.

Each segment is calculated separately based on the official distance and travel mode.

HHG Considerations

Per JTR Chapter 5, HHG shipment for PCS with TDY en route depends on the TDY duration.

Short TDY En Route

For TDY en route up to a specific duration (typically 90 days or less), HHG ships directly from the old PDS to the new PDS. The Marine takes only essential personal items to the TDY location.

Long-Term TDY En Route

For long-term TDY en route (typically over 90 days), HHG may ship to the TDY location with subsequent shipment to the new PDS.

The Personal Property Shipping Office (PPSO) coordinates the specific HHG arrangement.

POV Considerations

Per JTR Chapter 5.

POV Travel to TDY Location

The Marine drives the POV to the TDY location, takes the POV during TDY, and continues to the new PDS. MALT mileage covers the entire driving distance.

POV Shipment for OCONUS Final Destination

If the new PDS is OCONUS, the Marine ships the POV to the new OCONUS PDS through the DTMO POV Shipment Locator. The shipment may originate from the TDY location or the original CONUS port.

The POV Shipment and Mileage page covers POV details.

Dependent Travel for PCS with TDY En Route

Per JTR Chapter 5, dependent travel during PCS with TDY en route depends on the TDY duration and arrangement.

Short TDY (Marine Solo)

For short TDY where the Marine attends without dependents, dependents travel directly to the new PDS while the Marine attends school.

Long-Term TDY (Family Joins)

For long-term TDY (typically over 90 days), dependents may join the Marine at the TDY location. The dependents have specific travel and per diem framework based on JTR.

The Member and Dependent Travel page covers the dependent framework.

Voucher Submission

The Marine submits separate or combined vouchers for the PCS with TDY en route.

Approach 1. Single Combined Voucher

The Marine submits one DTS voucher upon arrival at the new PDS covering both the TDY and PCS portions.

Approach 2. Two Separate Vouchers

The Marine submits a TDY voucher upon completion of the TDY portion AND a PCS voucher upon arrival at the new PDS.

The unit S-1 and the local AO determine the preferred approach.

Common Questions Marines Ask

I am PCSing through Expeditionary Warfare School. How are my entitlements structured?

Per JTR Chapter 5 paragraph 0532, your orders cover.

1. PCS travel from old PDS to EWS.
2. TDY at EWS for the resident school period.
3. PCS travel from EWS to your new PDS.

You receive PCS per diem on travel days, TDY per diem during EWS, MALT mileage if driving, and standard PCS allowances (DLA, HHG, etc.) at the final PDS.

Where do my HHG go during the TDY school?

For short TDY (under 90 days), HHG typically ships directly to the new PDS. For long-term TDY, HHG may ship to the school location. The PPSO coordinates the specific arrangement.

Can my family come with me to the school?

For short TDY, dependents typically travel directly to the new PDS. For long-term TDY (over 90 days), dependents may join at the TDY location. Coordinate with your S-1 and the JTR framework.

When do I get DLA?

DLA is paid at the new PDS upon arrival, not at the TDY location. The DLA page covers the framework.

How do I submit my travel voucher?

Through DTS. Either as a single combined voucher upon arrival at the new PDS or as separate TDY and PCS vouchers. Coordinate with the local AO.

Will my BAH change during the TDY period?

BAH is based on the duty status. During PCS with TDY en route, BAH typically continues at the old PDS rate until the Marine arrives at the new PDS. Coordinate with your S-1.

Where to Go for Help

Routing by Issue

• PCS with TDY voucher submission. Through DTS at the new PDS.
• HHG coordination during TDY en route. Through the Personal Property Shipping Office (PPSO).
• Per diem rate verification. The DTMO Per Diem Rate Lookup at https://www.travel.dod.mil/Allowances/Per-Diem/Per-Diem-Rate-Lookup/.
• Dependent travel coordination. Through your S-1 and the gaining unit.
• 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.
• PCS Per Diem covers the PCS per diem framework.
• TDY Per Diem covers the TDY per diem framework.
• TDY Lodging covers TDY lodging at the school location.
• Defense Travel System covers the DTS voucher process.

Related Roles

• Leaders coach Marines on the combined orders structure and entitlement timing.
• Admin at S-1 supports DTS voucher submission for combined PCS/TDY scenarios.
• Commanders endorse PCS-with-TDY orders for school selection and assignment.

PCS with TDY en route combines TDY at a school or training location with the PCS to the final new PDS. TDY per diem applies during the school period. PCS per diem applies during travel days. Single combined voucher or separate vouchers through DTS. HHG and dependent travel arrangements depend on the TDY duration. The PPSO coordinates HHG. Coordinate with the S-1 for the specific framework.