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Trusted by Thousands of Military Families 100% Free Resources

Your PCS Move,
Planned With Purpose

Free duty station guides, personalized checklists, and a vetted realtor team waiting for you. all built by someone who understands the military move.

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Everything You Need For a Successful PCS

We've helped military families navigate their moves with confidence. Here's what you get. completely free.

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Personalized Checklists

Custom timelines based on YOUR report date and duty station. Never miss a step.

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Duty Station Intel

Housing, schools, neighborhoods, BAH rates. everything about where you're headed.

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Vetted Realtor Teams

Get matched with military-friendly realtors who actually know the area around your base.

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VA Loan Guidance

Understand your VA loan benefit and how to use this PCS as a wealth-building move.

Step 1 of 3

What Branch Do You Serve In?

We'll show you duty stations specific to your branch.

🪖 Army
✈️ Air Force
⚓ Navy
🦅 Marines
🛟 Coast Guard
🚀 Space Force
Step 2 of 3

Where Are You Headed?

Select your next duty station. We'll tailor your PCS plan to this location.

Step 3 of 3

A Few More Details

This helps us personalize your BAH estimate, timeline, and resources.

Yes, planning to buy
Open to it
Probably renting
No, first time
Yes, I have
Not sure

You're All Set, Service Member!

Your personalized PCS plan is ready. We've also sent a copy to your email. Here's what we've prepared for you:

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PCS 101: Your Complete Guide

Everything you need to know about the PCS process. from orders to arrival. Covers entitlements, moving options, and pro tips.

Read the Guide →
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Duty Station Guide

Housing, schools, neighborhoods, BAH rates, and everything you need to know about your next installation.

Explore Your Station →

Your PCS Dashboard

A personalized timeline and checklist built around your report date. Track every step of your move in one place.

Open Dashboard →

Invest in Yourself at Your Next Duty Station

Your VA loan is one of the most powerful benefits you've earned. Let's talk about how to use this PCS as a wealth-building opportunity.

John "Jack" Williams · Former Active Duty Army Major · VA Loan Specialist · NMLS #2017747
PCS 101

Never PCS'd Before? Start Here.

Already a pro? Cool, skip ahead. But if your S-1 just dropped orders on you and your first thought was "...now what?" — welcome. We built this for you.

Follow the road. We'll get you to the good stuff.
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How This Works

Think of this site as your PCS battle buddy. Here's the game plan:

1
PCS 101 Guide You are here

The basics. Entitlements, timelines, moving options. Quick read, no fluff.

2
Your Duty Station Guide The good stuff

BAH rates for YOUR rank, neighborhoods where military families actually live, schools, things to do. Specific to where you're going.

3
PCS Dashboard

Your personalized timeline, BAH breakdown, and housing calculator in one place.

Already know the basics? Jump straight to your station guide — that's where we really earn our keep.

1
📜

You Got Orders. Now What?

"Congratulations on your PCS!" — said no one who's actually done one.

A Permanent Change of Station (PCS) is the military's way of saying "pack everything you own and move across the country... again." The good news? The government foots most of the bill. The better news? With a plan, you can actually come out ahead financially.

Whether you're PCSing for the first time or you've got a stack of change-of-address forms taller than your kids, here's what you need to know — minus the 47-page regulation nobody reads.

2
💰

Show Me the Money (Your PCS Entitlements)

The military giveth... but only if you know what to ask for.

DLA
Dislocation Allowance

One-time payment for move-in costs — deposits, connection fees, all the stuff that adds up fast. Amount varies by rank and dependents.

TLE
Temporary Lodging Expense

CONUS moves: up to 10 days of lodging + meals while you're in transit or waiting for housing. Keep. All. Receipts.

TLA
Temporary Lodging Allowance

Hawaii & Alaska moves: up to 60 days at per diem rates. Yes, 60 days. This is the most underused benefit in a PCS. Use it to house-hunt in person instead of panic-leasing from the mainland.

Per Diem
Travel Pay

Daily allowances for meals and incidentals during your travel days. Calculated by DTMO — pocket the difference if you eat cheap.

BAH
Basic Allowance for Housing

Your BAH changes at your new station. This number directly controls what you can afford — it's the most important figure in your PCS financial picture.

Want to know exactly how much house your BAH can buy at your next station?

3
🚚

Moving Your Stuff (Without Losing Your Mind)

The movers will lose a box. It's tradition at this point.

Most Common

Government Move (HHG)

The military hires movers. They pack, they ship, they deliver. You supervise, document, and hope they don't wrap your trash can with the same care as your TV.

$$$ Potential

PPM (DITY) Move

You move yourself. The government reimburses what a government move would've cost. You pocket the difference (taxable income, but real money). Great if you're motivated and want to earn from the move.

Best of Both

Partial PPM

Government moves the bulk, you move the stuff you don't trust anyone else with (looking at you, grandmother's china). Get partial reimbursement for what you haul.

PRO TIPS

Weigh your load at a certified scale (before AND after). Photo-document everything. Keep every fuel/lodging receipt. File your PPM claim within 45 days. Future you will be grateful.

4
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The Big Question: Rent or Buy?

Plot twist: your BAH can build YOU wealth instead of your landlord's.

Why Buying Wins for Many
BAH covers the mortgage — often cheaper than rent
You build equity every single month
VA loan = $0 down. Most civilians can't touch this.
PCS again? Rent it out for passive income
#1 wealth-building tool for military families
Things to Consider
How long at this station? (2+ years favors buying)
Is the local market stable or growing?
Do you have a plan for the property when you leave?
What does your monthly budget look like?

The #1 question to answer first: "What can I actually afford?" Getting pre-approved takes 15 minutes and gives you real numbers.

5
🎖

Your Secret Weapon: The VA Loan

Arguably the best benefit you'll never hear about in a safety brief.

$0 down payment — skip saving tens of thousands
No PMI — save $100–$300+/month vs conventional
Lowest rates on the market — VA consistently beats conventional
Flexible credit requirements — more forgiving than traditional lenders
Reusable — use it at every duty station throughout your career
Assumable — future buyers can take over your low rate (huge selling point)

Ready to put your VA loan to work? Jack specializes in helping military families use this benefit to build real wealth.

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Your PCS Countdown

Because "I'll figure it out when I get there" has never ended well.

6+ Months Out
Review orders & research your new station
Get pre-approved for a VA loan (if buying)
Start decluttering — less stuff = cheaper move
Research schools if you have kids
3–6 Months Out
Schedule HHG pickup or plan your PPM
Connect with a vetted realtor at your new station
Start house hunting remotely
Notify your landlord if renting
Update DEERS & transfer medical/dental records
1–3 Months Out
Finalize housing (close on home or sign lease)
Confirm HHG pickup dates
Set up mail forwarding
Cancel or transfer utilities & subscriptions
Final Weeks
Complete final out-processing
Inventory all belongings before movers arrive
Keep essential docs in YOUR vehicle
Photo everything for move-out inspection

Want this timeline customized to YOUR report date and duty station?

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That's the Basics. Now for the Real Intel.

Everything above applies to every PCS. But YOUR PCS is at a specific base, with specific BAH rates, specific neighborhoods, and specific things your family needs to know.

Time to stop reading the OPORD and start executing the mission.

or

Duty Station

Location

Quick Facts

Ready to Buy Here?

Your VA loan can make homeownership a reality at this duty station. Let's find out what you can afford.

Jack Williams · NMLS #2017747

Need a Realtor Here?

Tell us what you're looking for and we'll match you with a vetted agent who specializes in military moves and understands your situation.

Your PCS Dashboard

Personalized checklist and timeline for your move

Move Progress

0%

Your PCS Timeline

JW

John "Jack" Williams

Former Active Duty Army Major
VA Loan Specialist
NMLS #2017747

I help military families turn every PCS into a wealth-building opportunity. I've been where you are. Let me show you what your VA loan can do at your next station.

jwilliams@evolutionmortgage.com

Your VA Loan Advantage

$0 Down Payment
Buy with no money down. A benefit most civilians don't have.
No PMI
Save $150 to $300 per month vs. conventional loans.
Best Rates Available
VA loans consistently offer the lowest mortgage rates.
Reusable Benefit
Use it at every duty station to build a portfolio.