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Comment by Marcy ~ Corpsman Mom on April 28, 2015 at 1:14am

To 20 tips for ex-pats moving abroad.  OK so not military-oriented, but still good ones!  http://www.thrillist.com/travel/nation/tips-for-moving-abroad

Comment by Marcy ~ Corpsman Mom on April 9, 2015 at 11:48pm

These tidbits were posted elsewhere in response to a request for PCS advice from those who have lived through it - 

Make sure any furniture that has a knob or handle protruding is well wrapped so movers don't shear it off. Number your furniture pieces with a sticker and make a list. Then tick it off as they unload to make sure everything is there. Make sure the corners of pictures for the walls are wrapped so they don't chip.  Oh, make sure the new place is clean before you unload your stuff. It's hard to clean up once your things are in!

Let the government move your things for you unless you have moved yourself before and have a good plan for doing it!

Make a "move folder" with a list of all cancelled bills, mover’s information and all other needed info, and back it up.

Keep all important documents with you! as well as anything extremely valuable or anything you would just die if it breaks. 

Start throwing away crap NOW.  

Take pictures and write down every serial number of your expensive items. Take all jewelry with you in the car or luggage (if going overseas). Don't just let the movers say something was damaged when they mark it on the paperwork, ask them to show you where they see said damage before signing the paperwork. 

When you get to your new location be sure to unpack quickly and efficiently so that you have plenty of time to file any claims for broken things, missing things, or any other kind of damages done. DO file the claims of anything is damaged. If you have all the proof of everything you need, the claim process won't be an issue.

Also, if you plan on driving your vehicle from old duty station to new duty station and plan on carrying anything in your car other than your family (like luggage, or any other household items) do a partial DITY move.

Plan a moving-in party at your destination.

Give yourself enough time to pack and reduce the stress on yourself. Have an emergency back up fund in case last minute things fall through. Good luck!

Don't rush. It's stressful enough as it is. Take your time. Breathe.

Comment by Anti M on May 8, 2014 at 10:45am

Yes.  They only pay to move you to the new duty station, and only once.

Comment by NicoleH10 on May 8, 2014 at 9:57am

I'm thinking of moving home during a deployment that's an out of pocket expenses correct?

Comment by Anti M on May 8, 2014 at 8:51am

Looks like a service member can use their moving allowances anytime during their tour, see number 13:

http://www.defensetravel.dod.mil/site/faqpcs.cfm

Comment by Marcy ~ Corpsman Mom on May 7, 2014 at 4:07pm

"16 unexpected PCS secrets" via Military OneSource's Blog Brigade:  http://blog-brigade.militaryonesource.mil/2014/04/30/sixteen-unexpe...

Comment by Anti M on May 6, 2014 at 4:00pm

I glanced at your page and see your sailor is an E-3 and will be eligible to take the advancement exam in September.  Here is the FB link where he can find the study information, and can check for when the exam dates are when they are posted.  Be assured, he cannot take leave right before, or during, the exam period.  You will want to know the dates when they are announced.

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Navy-Advancement-Center/213190711299...

In general: :E-4 – Third Tuesday in March, Third Thursday in September"

You will want to keep an eye on the CREO lists, know how over or under-manned HM is each cycle.  There is an advancement quota which is directly related to manning.

If he receives orders to Japan as an E-3, he will go unaccompanied.  Once he advances to E-4, he can put in a waiver for your command sponsorship which would allow you to move there. This can take several months.  If it goes through, he will need to extend his tour to accompanied length.   

Comment by Anti M on May 6, 2014 at 3:25pm

I was stationed in Japan for a very long time.  Loved it. Getting command sponsorship and the appropriate screenings is a paperwork drill everyone goes through.   Is he an E-4?  E-3 and below cannot take dependents overseas, including Hawaii. Important detail which many junior sailors are unaware of.    

I'll give you straight up sailor talk here:  He may have leave on the books, but being new to his command, he almost certainly has to complete quals and such before he will be allowed to take leave.  This is doubly true if he is stationed overseas.  "The new guy" doesn't get to take leave whenever he feels like it, no matter how much he has saved up. Very often, the sailors who area already there are waiting for the new guy to come in so they can take leave themselves once they get him trained! 

Why not have the wedding in July when you KNOW he can be home?  Waiting makes no sense, because there is a very high probability he cannot take leave again so soon.  I am not saying this just to be negative, I am speaking from experience.  Your schedule and agenda mean ZIP to the Navy.  Anyone at his school who tells him differently is telling him what he wants to hear, not the hard truth.

Comment by Orange orchids on May 5, 2014 at 9:54pm

Yes, we are married. Yes it's a hometown wedding. Yes he has leave time. We would pay for his ticket home. I just wanted the info on if I can move a couple months after he moves. Thanks for the window info. I understand it's easier but it makes more sense for me to move later.

Anyone had experience with moving overseas, the ups the downs?

Comment by Anti M on May 5, 2014 at 6:41am

Wait, you're already married, right?  The wedding is just a hometown ceremony?  And how is he taking leave again so soon?  Especially if he gets Japan?   Ah, it doesn't work that way.  

There is a window of time after he gets orders for you to be moved by the Navy.  I think it is 90 days.  It is always easier to move concurrently with your sponsor.

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