You have heard through the detailer that OCONUS orders are on the way to you. While you are still enjoying your times stateside, getting a jump on PCS organization and planning will make for a smoother and more confident OCONUS PCS later!
Having just completed this journey myself, I have some advice for anyone starting from the beginning. Here are some things to think about and steps to get started on.
When You Have Orders
Right when you get official orders, make sure to go to Move.mil. This is important for those headed for any PCS, but it’s even more important for an OCONUS move. Each service member must register for DPS (the link is on the landing page of move.mil) and do their online counseling as soon as orders are in hand. That online counseling starts the process for a number of PCS necessary tasks like scheduling your HHG pick up! If you have done the online counseling before, it a quick process for future moves.
Quick Tip – Use Microsoft Explorer or Google Chrome when getting on DPS as they seem to be the best browsers.
Passports
First off, you need multiple certified copies of all important documents: birth certificates, marriage certificates, and social security cards. This is important because everything you will do for passports requires certified copies. You can request them online, pay the fees and they will be mailed to you. Once you have those, you can move forward on the passports. If you do not have a tourist passport, go and do that asap. This can be done at most post offices but you can find all locations listed online. You will need the applications filled out and all the copies of the documents (you do not need official orders). Your tourist passports will be mailed to you.
In addition to the tourist passports, you also need no-fee government passports. After official orders are in hand, visit the government transportation office located on base (usually near the ID office). Each accompanying family member must have a government passport in addition to a tourist passport. This process can take weeks, so it is best to initiate as soon as possible.
Get an Updated POA
A power of attorney (POA) is a legal document in which gives someone control to act on someone else’s behalf and the authority to make decisions. The reason I recommend getting one is because there are so many moving parts with such a strict timeline and order. It is nice to make sure things can get done, even when your service member may be unavailable. Your service member can take care of it with the command and you can then not skip a beat.
OCONUS Physicals/Family Entry Approval
Among the biggest choices made by service members headed to OCONUS duty stations is whether or not to bring the family. These assignments will require you to go through the command sponsorship process. As part of the process, all family members need physicals coded appropriately from your PCM (if Prime) or having your medical records reviewed by the board (sent to them by your doctor’s office). This must be done within 4 months out of your PCS/report date but it also takes a long time. Plan ahead and speak to your clinic about when you need to call to get your appointment on the books as early as possible.
After physicals, the family members will also have an additional EFMP screening. The physical/medical record reviews are done before your EFMP screening and you must have the EFMP screening to head OCONUS with your service member!
Command Sponsorship
After all the physicals and EFMP screening are complete the service member must submit a Command Sponsorship packet to get their orders to include dependents (if they didn’t already have them listed. Family members must be on the orders to receive the full PCS shipment weights, book travel arrangements and to secure housing.
We did not have our youngest child listed on the orders OR the approved screening paperwork and it was a huge process to get that amended. So I recommend working on these items as early as possible.
OCONUS Shipments and HHG
For your overseas move, you will schedule three to four shipments: Non-Temporary Storage, Unaccompanied Baggage, Household Goods and MAYBE a Personally Owned Vehicle. Before the packers arrive, you will need to divide your things for each shipment. Transportation will schedule non-temporary storage (local to where you live currently), unaccompanied baggage (shipped ahead), and household goods pick-ups on separate days.
Quick Tip: Be VERY CAREFUL about your weight allotment for the move. The weight for ALL the shipments will be added together for the total against the allotment. PURGE all you can!
Non-Temporary Storage
The military pays for household goods to be stored in a contracted commercial storage facility. It is usually in the same town you are currently living in the states. These are things that you are not taking to your OCONUS duty station. You will get the name of the company ahead of time so I suggest calling ahead to learn about the facility. This will help you make more informed decision about what you want to store/sell/purge.
Unaccompanied Baggage
For some OCONUS duty stations, you will be able to ship a small number of items ahead of time. It is usually no more than 1000 lbs and takes about 4-6 weeks to arrive. This shipment is usually made up of things you will need for the first few months. Sheets, clothes and kitchen items are often recommended because housing will not provide them. When this shipment is packed and sent will depend on your preference and availability. Check with your PCS counselor on usual timing for shipment and when would be the best time.
Household Goods
The remainder of your household goods will arrive a few months after you do. There are country specific recommendations and restrictions on what to bring as part of your household goods. Appliances, firearms, and plants are not allowed. Check out the specific regions restrictions for more info.
Vehicle Planning
You are allowed to ship one vehicle for an OCONUS move. So decide in advance whether to sell or store any other vehicles. The military will only pay to store OR ship one vehicle, so it’s your choice the path you want.
We chose to sell both our vehicles due to several factors. We researched and discovered that getting a vehicle in Japan would be the most logical and financially sound choice. However, everyone’s situation is different so make the best choice for your family.
Travel Plans
Check the policy for flights at your location well in advance. Your options will vary based on availability and the country policy. All travel will go directly through the travel office. They will need copies of the command sponsorship, orders and other paperwork directly from the command.
You’ll be given the option to fly commercial if no military flights are available for your prefered travel dates. Again, the travel office will book this for you and send the service member the itinerary. If any small changes need to be made, like seat changes, you’ll want to contact the airline directly. Check the itinerary CAREFULLY. They placed our infant in a seat by himself 4 rows away from us on one of our flights. Nope….
Your Pet & OCONUS Orders
We do not have any pets (allergies) so I had to do my research on this. OCONUS PCSing with children can be intimidating enough but with a pet—look out. Every location is different with unique requirements. Make sure, no matter where you are headed, that your pet is up-to-date on vaccines to avoid any delays or the inability to travel. Plan on starting the process a minimum of 3-4 months before you leave, as it can also get delayed quickly.
For more information, check out this article from MilitaryByOwner. LOTS of good information for those of you with fur babies to make the best informed decision.
It’s Worth It!
PCSing OCONUS can seem very overwhelming, but it is a process I think everyone should do at least one in military life when given a chance. For the experiences that await, the headaches are worth it and hopefully this help you feel a little more prepared moving forward.
