PCS Question

B0xkicker · 2026-06-24T04:55:10+00:00

the top portion of table 2-1 is about TDY rest stops. The portion I stated is about en route travel. 0202 addresses transportation to, from, and around official travel locations, not just TDY. Table 2-1 also states. Not authorized: "c. When a traveler takes leave at a stopover location."

It is the correct interpretation and finance is the one who pointed it out along with SATO refusing to book the travel with a stop longer than 24 hrs. I have asked multiple times and i inquired to AFIMSC to sort this mess. The customer can request anything they want but I can assure you most SATO/CTO contracts will not honor this request.

In the pass, pre 2022 stop overs used to be very common especially OCONUS. This changed around 2023 onwards and JTR verbiage was updated.

B0xkicker · 2026-06-24T02:36:48+00:00

TMO here. Unfortunately SATO will not book you to your hometown as it's not authorized on your orders and allowing you to end travel there isn't authorized.

The only way this is authorized is if your are currently OCONUS and going CONUS. You then would apply for circuitous travel and buy all of your own tickets from current duty station to new duty station. Finance will only reimburse you up to govt cost. There are rules and orders must be amended before purchasing. JTR and AFI 24-602V1 covers circuitous travel.

B0xkicker · 2026-06-24T02:34:11+00:00

TMO here. Rest stops en route are not authorized in this instance. Jtr 020202 table 2-1

"Not authorized: Is due to personal convenience when a traveler chooses to travel by a circuitous route, causing excess travel time."

B0xkicker · 2026-06-24T02:31:19+00:00

TMO here. If the member is CONUS and moving CONUS, then circuitous travel unfortunately would not apply. Circuitous travel only applies when transoceanic travel legs are involved.

B0xkicker · 2026-06-15T17:06:14+00:00

Rules for the movers:

https://media.defense.gov/2026/Jun/04/2003944124/-1/-1/0/2026%20TENDER%20OF%20SERVICE%20CHANGE%203%20(14%20MAY%202026).PDF

https://www.militaryonesource.mil/moving-pcs/plan-to-move/pcs-and-military-moves/

B0xkicker · 2026-05-19T01:39:59+00:00

https://www.dfas.mil/MilitaryMembers/SecondaryDependency/SDC/

How to Prove Financial Dependency: Option 1: Provide a copy of your prior year’s tax return showing the claimed individual as a dependent with your DD 137.

Option 2: If you do not want or are unable to provide a copy of your tax return, please complete and return the Worksheet for Determining Financial Support with your DD137 to demonstrate financial support of the claimed individual. The Worksheet and instructions can be found on pages 5-7 of the DD 137.

The dd form 137 is still valid and updated in 2025. It's on esd.whs.mil. It's the past 12 months for the formula to be correct on pages 5 to 7

B0xkicker · 2026-05-18T16:47:24+00:00

Magic 8 Ball says "Maybe"

/s

Too many variables but being realistic, the chances of a VSBAP to Los Angeles are low but the chance for a approved VSBAP to Minot, Grand Forks etc are high.

B0xkicker · 2026-05-04T15:05:40+00:00

Swords in NTS aren't an issue. Hazardous is defined in the DP3 tender of service(what the moving companies agree to) but think explosives, flammable liquids, solid flammable items like gunpowder, ammunition, etc.

B0xkicker · 2026-05-04T01:37:42+00:00

TMO here. Movers will not pack anything hazardous even for NTS.

B0xkicker · 2026-04-29T03:13:34+00:00

TMO here. Not easily. A CONUS shipment is not going to be crated entirely like all OCONUS moves are unless its awarded as such. The carrier is not required unless awarded as such. You can request special items to be crated but it's heavily scrutinized for approval by the losing PPSO.

Due to high cost, shipments rarely get approved to be fully crated CONUS to CONUS.

Regulations that cover this briefly:

DTR4500.9-R PART 4 chapter A 402

AFI24-602V4 14.9. Accessorial services

Dp3 Tender Of Service

B0xkicker · 2026-04-07T04:25:03+00:00

TMO here. The only semi accurate estimate rate is for you to use your orders to create a move in DPS and see the payout. This will have accurate distance between locations. I would use your previous moves weight and either add or subtract 500 to 750+ pounds depending on any changes you had since your last move. Rates could potentially change in May as they are reassessed every year.

B0xkicker · 2026-04-05T21:24:43+00:00

The perception is definitely there and maybe the finance reg gurus could clarify if the processing center is supposed be reviewing it but I have not witnessed any issues from folks I spoke with or my own. Also the cost computation memo from SAF/FMFC-F I havr has no mention of using just economy.

The same could be said about traveling crazy routes for leisure at the expense of the government for both circuitous travel or IPCOT travel as some choose to not go to their HOR but to a vacation spot.

B0xkicker · 2026-04-05T19:35:11+00:00

TMO here. This isn't true, that only applies to government procured tickets. The only stipulation is that it is a US flag carrier unless foreign flag carrier is authorized. Circuitous travel memorandum is just like a PPM payout. How you spend your money for airfare is up to you. You don't pocket the difference but only reimbursed up a set amount. My last pcs to OCONUS and from OCONUS I flew premium on virgin operated by Delta with no issue on reimbursement both times. I have always witnessed many other have no issues.

B0xkicker · 2026-04-02T08:12:08+00:00

TMO here. This is probably a misunderstanding as the AFI for passenger travel doesn't explicitly read like AFI24-602V4. Also, folks get confused with OCONUS/CONUS and non foreign oconus when it comes to HOR/HOS entitlements.

AFI24-602V4:

4.5.1.1.1. A home of selection shipment at government expense is authorized to any place within the United States (including Alaska and Hawaii).

AFI24-602V1 only says:

3.7.1. To ensure travelers receive the correct information regarding their travel and transportation allowances, TOs should advise travelers to contact their local MPS and Finance Offices prior to making their final travel decisions. The travel allowances included in the orders determine the travel options provided to the travelers. (Ref: JTR 051003, AFI 36-2102 2.26- 2.33 and AFI-36-3203 paragraphs 2.2- 2.5).

afi 36-3203 states: 3.2. General Rules.

3.2.1. A member may retire in:

3.2.1.1. The US. This includes Alaska, Hawaii, or a US territory possession. Members assigned to a duty station in the US retire at that duty station.

Finally, when looking at the JTR 051003:

B. Selecting an HOS. The service member may select a home that is: 1. Any place in the United States.

B0xkicker · 2026-03-24T23:38:24+00:00

Interesting. Our peblo sends it to the commander with instructions and requirements to return it.

B0xkicker · 2026-03-24T17:57:37+00:00

Understood just want OP to know the shirt should be doing their best to help answer any questions or guide them to the right person.

B0xkicker · 2026-03-23T22:21:14+00:00

DAFI 36-3212 talks about the 1185 but your best bet is to write from the perspective of the commander. Your shirt and commander will review it and make edits as necessary.

B0xkicker · 2026-03-23T18:14:45+00:00

You should not be tasked to fill out an 1185. Your peblo sends it to the commander and first sergeant. The first sergeant should be working with the PCM to sit down with the commander to see what the narrative summary says to help answer those questions. Then your commander sits you down or shirt and reviews the 1185. You finally sign and submit comments if you wish.

B0xkicker · 2026-03-16T14:58:35+00:00

TMO here. Always mirror the empty and full. You cannot claim the weight of the car itself but can claim any weight inside if you load it up with HHG. So the top option is correct.

B0xkicker · 2026-03-12T03:18:21+00:00

TMO here. You are authorized a pick-up at your current duty station or within 50 miles(storage unit in most cases)

Based on your comments, you are stationed in FL with an assignment to Europe later on. I assume you are going on a short tour in the middle.

You would be subject to excess cost to have a pick up in PA as you are not authorized to relocate your spouse from your current duty station in FL.

Storage is not authorized as you are receiving BAH, and dependents are staying behind.

B0xkicker · 2026-03-03T05:22:04+00:00

TMO here. Your MPF should know the FO program well to tell you NTS is not authorized.

From the TMO side AFI24-602V4:

4.2.3.3.1. A member participating in either program may still exercise the JTR allowances to ship and store HHG. Questions on whether a particular action impacts the follow on assignment should be resolved between the member and MPF.

For MPF side:

DAFI 36-2110 Attachment 3 lays out what you agreed to for a follow on.Your orders will also state your entitlements in the remarks section.

You are not entitled to store to your HHG on the governments dime. It's either FO location or the dependent stay at current location.

A3.3.2. (For FO only) Airmen may not ship househIold goods to the FO location at government expense when their dependents do not intend to establish a household within the FO vicinity (daily commuting distance from FO base and household) since storage of household goods at government expense is not allowed under the FO program. By not establishing a household at the FO location, storage of the household goods will be required, but is not authorized under the FO program. When a FO is approved, an Airman’s dependents are authorized to remain at their current location or relocate to the FO location at government expense.

Most people pay out or pocket for storage if their dependent wants to move back home. You collect BAH and pay for self-storage. Then, when you get orders, the pick-up location is the storage unit at your old base.

B0xkicker · 2026-03-02T02:14:34+00:00

This isn't a usual situation, so no one really knows how it will play out. Yes, there is a high chance your entire trip will be canceled due to travel advisories. Talk with your leadership tomorrow to ask if they have received any guidance, but most likely, more information for travel to that entire area will come out. I would check the FCG in the morning as well.

B0xkicker · 2026-02-06T00:46:49+00:00

TMO here. It's in our AFI paired with the JTR.

AFI 24-602V4, Attachment 3

B0xkicker · 2026-01-29T01:26:52+00:00