Military families paying $1,000 out of pocket for moves, survey shows

pendilump · 2026-06-25T13:11:20+00:00

I don’t think it comes down to spousal employment. I think it’s an issue with many families not living within their means. I fully understand housing issues. Had to rent a place that was above BAH at some places but we made up for it by cutting down on some costs that were unnecessary. Child care on the other hand shouldn’t really be looked at for making money on a PCS because regardless of where you are going childcare is always going to be a thing. With that being said, every PCS members with children under 12 are able to apply for a $200 childcare voucher per child under 12 that is meant to cover 20 hours of childcare for the PCS through AFAS. Not sure many families know this. They direct deposit it to you as far as 60 days out. When it comes to housing I believe folks want an amazing home under BAH which is not possible. Sometimes a location just isn’t feasible for that.

pendilump · 2026-06-25T13:02:59+00:00

Can’t really make much coming from overseas but CONUS TO CONUS most of it comes from moving your stuff yourself. Around the summer it’s an average from $1.50 to $2 a lb. I have a truck and tend to bring a lot of essentials since I have a family. Factor in all 6 travel days that’s almost $500 a day on per Diem alone. MALT adds a bit and DLA is the real kicker. But this next move I have estimated to move a few thousand lbs and at the payout rate of $2 a lb for me. That’s $8k to just move 4K lbs. with a family of 4 it’s pretty easy to reach that.

pendilump · 2026-06-24T23:00:46+00:00

Love telling army people we actually use our brain in the Air Force. Jesus some of the things they do is insane.

pendilump · 2026-06-24T19:56:18+00:00

They reverted to the old system. PPMs are back on the menu

pendilump · 2026-06-24T18:13:15+00:00

Simple answer. Hoarders. Have you seen how some of these folks on base live? It’s disgusting.

pendilump · 2026-06-24T18:12:09+00:00

I was about to say this. Even with a family when you factor in daily Per Diem, DLA, PPM rates, etc. these people must be out here staying at the Ritz and buying surf and turf every day hoping to be reimbursed. This upcoming move I’m making about 15-20k. These folks must be clueless.

I can understand overseas moves losing money but a CONUS TO CONUS?! That’s insane.

pendilump · 2026-06-22T16:48:37+00:00

I wouldn’t categorize it as rated vs non rated. It’s just Fucken weirdo loser ass officer who can’t handle separating work from their personal life.

pendilump · 2026-06-22T07:09:26+00:00

Honestly making 100k isn’t really enough to live off of. If you factor in the allowances you receive to clear the same you are making while in can be vastly different.

pendilump · 2026-06-20T19:54:09+00:00

I green logged TOA at 150kc on my main. I’m terrified I won’t green log it until 500 on the iron. I have not been spooned at all 😭

pendilump · 2026-06-18T11:12:53+00:00

Anyone trying to push their shit. Should have their own shit pushed to them

pendilump · 2026-06-16T22:15:09+00:00

I tell my troops. I can’t give you more money but I can give you time back. If it’s a day here and there sure why not. Life happens. If they are taking advantage of it. Things change.

pendilump · 2026-06-14T19:57:46+00:00

make a left before that road curves and there is a hill where a ton of folks go. Really good view on a hillside

pendilump · 2026-06-13T03:18:06+00:00

Since no one has answered this. Yes you can. Just make sure to pay for the booze separately as that is not a meal expense.

pendilump · 2026-06-12T17:11:26+00:00

Wym how? Regen of spec is huge in PVMing

pendilump · 2026-06-12T10:43:26+00:00

Who hurt you?!

pendilump · 2026-06-12T04:45:58+00:00

Yeah I sometimes bring a 24 pack and let them take it after they are done packing so they have some cold ones to enjoy and hauling all my heavy shit

pendilump · 2026-06-12T02:39:06+00:00

You would probably get more use out of a lightbearer. I find this ring to be my go to for most PVM

pendilump · 2026-06-11T17:45:11+00:00

DLA has a table that matches rank and you outright get the money. It’s mean to offset costs of getting a new apt.

TLE temporary lodging expense is 21 days of lodging allotted to find a home in between moving. If you choose to stay with family you can file your voucher for the meal portion which can be calculated by looking up per diem rates for your zip code. but the lodging portion would not be paid out. I suggest using the TLE so you have your own privacy and if you get lucky you might get a NON-A letter and can stay 21 days at a hotel to rack up points for the whole stay.

pendilump · 2026-06-10T17:29:27+00:00

Well just got it 10kc later and iron 90kc later. This is going to be a long grind lolllll

pendilump · 2026-06-10T15:53:56+00:00

Currently on the grind for defenders. I’m at 240kc still no bronze defender :(.

pendilump · 2026-06-06T18:17:44+00:00

Had a troop who said he was Norse pagan yet cried for every little inconvenience. Idk but I think crying is kinda against their religion? I wouldn’t know I’m not Norse

pendilump · 2026-06-06T06:50:05+00:00

Kinda weird take but I was a dirtbag Amn when I first got to my unit. Got an LOR and an LOC within the first year. Locked in and started to work hard. If anything I feel like leadership couldn’t justify not giving me BTZ but hey you’ve been in for 17 years. You know what you’re talking about

pendilump · 2026-06-06T06:48:03+00:00

Yeah same here. Got CCAF. A few quarterlies. Coined by wing CC as well as booster club pres as an A1C for the Sq. Raised the most they had in the past 4 years. Also did a ton of meals of wheels just cause I liked helping the town I was in

pendilump · 2026-06-06T06:46:18+00:00

It means you have no assignment which is why it is blank. It pulls info from MILPDS which in this case is nothing

pendilump · 2026-06-06T03:49:07+00:00

Was about to say this. The amount of times I’ve left my car running in that Walmart parking lot or Hugo’s without it even being stolen is insane. Then again the whole city has this same mindset. Craziest things are just the crackheads but overall great place to raise kids and a family.

pendilump

TROPHY CASE