One of the most exciting and frustrating things about being part of a military family is the frequent travel. Living in exotic locations all around the country or world is something that not everyone has the opportunity to experience. But, it comes with the stress of moving, saying goodbye to friends and family, and often additional financial expenses as the family gets settled in a new home. Many times, I’ve had to restock fridges and pantries, buy new cleaning supplies for my home, and endure the awkward phase of making new friends as an adult. I’ve also been able to experience new cultures, explore National Parks, and literally live in paradise—everyone should try to be stationed in Hawaii at least once.
It’s easy to experience equal parts excitement and discouragement when faced with numerous Permanent Change of Station (PCS) episodes. One of the hardest parts is having to synchronize that inevitable move. It gets even more complicated when considering school schedules as well as work obligations. During every military move, my husband and I have traveled separately and arrived at our new home separately. Sometimes it is because we aren’t both able to leave our jobs simultaneously. Other times it has been to adhere to quarantine requirements when moving with pets. Each time we have had to bear the expense ourselves.
The Navy recognizes the additional stress that timing a move can put on a family and is changing policy to add flexibility. Navy families are now authorized to PCS separately to meet the needs of the family.
Military.com reported on the change this week. “A sailor’s family members can move ahead or stay behind up to six months during a change of duty station in certain circumstances rather than moving all at once,” they said following the Navy’s announcement. The Navy pays for certain travel expenses for the military member and the family members they have listed in their official record.
Navy Gives Families More Flexibility to Travel During PCS https://t.co/v0UKrLxkbD
— Military.com (@Militarydotcom) September 14, 2018
The reasons cited in the article include a spouse or child finishing education requirements before moving, wrapping up a job, meeting the needs of a special-needs child through the Exceptional Family Member Program, or providing care for a sick family member.
The official terms to look for are advanced dependent travel (ADT) and delayed dependent travel (DDT). While already a part of the PCS process, the Navy said that they have “expanded the eligible categories.” Requests will be processed through the Navy Personnel Command, who oversees personnel-related issues and policies, including PCS.
The Navy first looked at PCS policies back in May when they released guidance to allow military kids to finish their school year before requiring them to move rather than transferring mid-year. This has allowed increased continuity in education, a critical concern facing military parents. School requirements often change based on state, making the option to finish coursework for an entire school year so important.
Family PCS travel just got a little more flexible: https://t.co/QiidUSdIJg #Sailor2025 #NavyReadiness pic.twitter.com/49xJHHxEiT
— MyNavy HR (@MyNAVYHR) September 13, 2018
According to the Military.com report, families can move up to 6 months before or after the military member when PCS-ing within the United States. When moving internationally, families can delay their move up to 6 months after the military member only. Each family is still eligible for one housing allowance, regardless of if they PCS together or separately.
