PCS & Housing: Your Relocation Briefing
Navigating the complexities of Permanent Change of Station (PCS) with non-partisan clarity. From housing allowances to final inspections, we provide the status clarity military families need for a successful move.
Military Pay & Allowances Explained
Clear, non-partisan breakdowns of the financial components that support your relocation and housing costs.
BAH: Basic Allowance for Housing
BAH is a U.S. based allowance that provides uniformed service members equitable housing compensation based on housing costs in local civilian housing markets. It is calculated based on geographic duty location, pay grade, and dependency status.
- Location: Rates are set by surveying local rental costs annually.
- Rank: Higher ranks typically receive higher rates to reflect increased responsibility.
- Dependents: "With-dependents" rates are higher than "without-dependents" rates.
BAS: Basic Allowance for Subsistence
BAS is meant to offset costs for a service member's meals. This allowance is not intended to cover the meals of family members. All officers receive the same monthly amount, while enlisted rates are slightly higher and adjusted annually based on food cost indices.
DLA: Dislocation Allowance
DLA is partially intended to reimburse a service member for the expenses incurred in relocating a household. It is typically paid once per PCS move. Rates vary by rank and dependency status and are updated at the start of each fiscal year.
OHA: Overseas Housing Allowance
For those stationed outside the United States, OHA replaces BAH. It is a cost-reimbursement based allowance that includes three components: rental ceiling, utility/recurring maintenance allowance, and move-in housing allowance (MIHA).
Your PCS Journey Timeline
A step-by-step roadmap from receiving orders to settling into your new community.
Initial Notification (D-Day - 90 Days)
Official orders are published. Contact your local Transportation Office (TMO/PPO) immediately to schedule your move. Start a "PCS Binder" for all critical paperwork, including medical records and school transcripts.
The Planning Phase (D-Day - 60 Days)
Decide between a Government-Constructed Move or a Personally Procured Move (PPM). Research your new duty station's housing market and begin applying for on-base housing if desired.
Logistics & Sorting (D-Day - 30 Days)
Host a yard sale or donate items to stay within weight allowances. Confirm packing dates with movers. Notify current landlords and utility companies of your departure date.
Moving Week & Arrival
Supervise the packing process. Keep high-value items and critical documents with you. Upon arrival, check into your new unit and visit the Housing Office to finalize your living arrangements.
Securing Your New Home
Navigating the choice between on-base privatized housing and off-base private rentals.
Evaluate Housing Options
Compare the pros and cons of living on-base (community, proximity, utilities included) versus off-base (BAH flexibility, local integration, equity potential).
Apply for On-Base Housing
Visit the Military Housing Office (MHO) website for your new installation. Submit your application early, as waiting lists can range from weeks to several months.
Conduct Off-Base Research
Use verified military-friendly rental search engines. Check school districts, commute times, and ensure the monthly rent aligns with your projected BAH.
Finalize Lease & Inspections
Before signing, ensure the Military Clause is included. Conduct a thorough move-in inspection with photos to document existing damage and protect your security deposit.
Tenant Rights & Rental Guidance
Protecting your household during the rental process through legal safeguards and proactive negotiation.
The Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA)
The SCRA allows service members to terminate residential leases early without penalty if they receive PCS orders or deployment orders for 90 days or more. You must provide written notice and a copy of your orders to the landlord.
The Military Clause
While the SCRA covers many scenarios, a specific "Military Clause" in your lease can provide additional protections, such as early termination for base housing availability or changes in deployment status not covered by federal law.
Security Deposits & Inspections
Never pay a deposit without a written receipt. Always perform a walk-through with the landlord or property manager. Document every scratch, stain, or malfunction with timestamped photos to ensure a full refund upon departure.
Voices from the Field
Real experiences and hard-won lessons from military families navigating the PCS process.
"Don't wait for hard orders to start purging. We cleared out 500 lbs of weight we didn't need, which saved us from paying overages at our next stop."
"The SCRA is your best friend. Our landlord tried to charge us two months' rent for leaving early, but a quick call to the base legal office sorted it out."
"Always visit the housing office before signing an off-base lease. They have a list of 'blacklisted' properties that helps you avoid predatory landlords."
"We did a partial PPM (Personally Procured Move) for our essentials. It was more work, but having our beds and kitchen gear on Day 1 was worth every penny."
Policy Updates & Briefings
Stay informed on the latest DoD policy shifts and allowance rate adjustments.
2025 BAH Rates Published
The Department of Defense has released 2025 Basic Allowance for Housing rates, with an average increase of 4.2% nationwide to combat rising rental costs in key military markets.
Privatized Housing Tenant Bill of Rights
Updated guidance on dispute resolution and maintenance standards for families living in privatized base housing. All 18 rights are now fully implemented across all services.
New PCS Pet Reimbursement
The DoD now allows for the reimbursement of up to $2,000 for overseas pet relocation and $550 for domestic moves. Claims can be filed through the standard travel voucher system.
Connect with The Military Brief
Whether you have a tip, a correction, or a media inquiry, our team is here to ensure clarity for the military community.
Media Inquiries
For press kits, interviews, and non-partisan commentary on military policy.
Corrections & Tips
Spotted an error? Have a policy update we missed? Let us know immediately.
Partnerships
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Official Resources
Direct links to DoD Move.mil and service-specific housing portals.