3. Pivot and Re-Aim
Depending on how far along you’ve gotten in the pre-move process, there may be a number of items you might need to cancel and change.
- Pack-out with your installation’s Traffic Management Office (TMO)
- Cancel existing temporary lodging facility (TLF) reservations if made, and re-book
- Cancel or amend housing leases as needed
- Update and change school registrations
- Assess any pet accommodations, needed vaccinations, or import requirements if moving overseas (or moving back stateside from overseas)
- Amend any vacation and leave reservations, as needed
- Re-set expectations with family members, especially children and teens
If you have not started a PCS binder, now might be the perfect time to assemble one – particularly in helping you manage the feeling of overwhelm.
4. Adjust. Don’t shut down.
At first, mentally processing a new, unexpected duty station may simply feel like a daily exercise in survival. Even with the most optimistic of attitudes, you may never come to love your new duty assignment – and that’s ok!
No matter where a PCS takes you, you’ll still benefit from plugging into the community and finding a village – in whatever form works best for you.
A bend in the road is not the end of the road unless you fail to make the turn. – Helen Keller
Always remember, even the term “PCS” is a bit of a misnomer. A Permanent Change Station, is never quite “permanent.” Give the military enough time, and it will happily PCS you again.
That’s one guarantee I’d bet even Murphy herself would agree upon.
