PCS and Other Common Acronyms Related to Military Moves

PCS and Other Common Acronyms Related to Military MovesPCS and Other Common Acronyms Related to Military MovesAcronyms are commonly found in almost every aspect of military life. In fact, there are numerous abbreviations that youll undoubtedly hear or landsee throughout your Permanent Change of Station (PCS) move. Featured below is a sampling of some of the most common terms that youre likely to run across. However, if you dont see what youre looking for you can always check this dictionary of military acronyms. And because no move would ever be complete without filling out various documents, youll find at the bottom of this page a list of DoD forms that youll most likely hear about. Military Acronyms Pertaining to Moves CONUS Continental United StatesRefers to the 48 states on the North American continent. Although Alaska is part of North America, its considered outside the continental United States (OCONUS), as are Hawaii, Puerto Rico, and other U.S. territories. DEERS Defens e Enrollment Eligibility Reporting SystemYoure probably already familiar with DEERS, but if not, its a worldwide database containing information on servicemembers and their dependents. Enrollment is required to receive your military ID card and any other military-related benefits such as TRICARE. In regards to PCSing, after you move youll need to update your DEERS enrollment. DFAS Defense Finance and Accounting ServicesThe agency that oversees military pay and pay-related issues. DITY Do-It-YourselfSee PPM below. DMPO Defense Military Pay OfficeHandles PCS travel related pay and finance issues. DoDEA Department of Defense Education ActivityAgency that oversees the school system for military kids. DPS Defense Personal Property SystemAn internet-based computerized program that manages DoD household goods moves. To utilize this program go to Move.mil. GCC Government Constructed CostsThe moving fees the government would have to pay when relocating a servicemember and their depende nts to a new duty station. HHG Household GoodsFurniture and other personal belongings. MALT Mileage instead of TransportationIf you choose to drive your privately owned vehicle(s) (POV) from your old duty station to your new location, the government will pay you a set amount for each vehicle. OCONUS Outside Continental United StatesRegions outside the continental United States such as Germany, Korea, and Japan. Alaska, Hawaii, Guam, and Puerto Rico are also considered OCONUS. PCS Permanent Change of StationRelocating from one duty station to another. Includes stateside and overseas moves. POV Privately Owned VehicleA vehicle owned by the servicemember or their dependents. PPM Personally Procured MoveFormerly referred to as DITY the PPM occurs when a servicemember chooses to hire private movers instead of utilizing the services provided by the military. RITA Relocation Income Tax AllowanceAllowance meant to reimburse travelers who paid additional federal, state and local taxes due to a PCS move. This allowance is not automatic. You must apply for it. TLA Temporary Lodging AllowanceAn allowance for temporary meals and housing when making an OCONUS move. The allowance covers up to 60 days while you await housing. However, it can be extended if necessary. TLE Temporary Lodging ExpensePayment to offset temporary lodging and meals while youre at your old duty station or after youve arrived at the new location. TLE is not paid while youre in transit from one duty station to another and is only provided for CONUS PCS moves. TO Transportation OfficeCoordinates and handles the packing and shipping aspect of your move. The name of this office varies among the branches Army ITO (Installation Transportation Office)Navy and Marine Corps PPSO (Personal Property Shipping Office)Air Force TMO (Traffic Management Office)Coast Guard HHGSO (Household Goods Shipping Office) UAB Unaccompanied BaggageWhen you have an OCONUS move some of your necessary personal items will ship by air so that youll have them when you arrive, versus waiting for the rest of your household goods which will ship separately. ansicht must-have items are considered unaccompanied baggage. Forms Youll be required to fill out various forms throughout the duration of your PCS move. Technically, the name of the formdoesnt really constitute as acronyms, at least not the type youre probably accustomed to seeing. However, if you happen to hear or read about DD Form 1351-2 and you have no clue which form is being referenced, check out the following list for an explanation. DD 1351-2 - Travel Voucher DD 1351-2C Travel Voucher Continuation Sheet DD 1351-3 Statement of Actual Expense DD 2278 Application for DITY Move and Counseling Checklist DFAS Form 9114 PCS and TDY En Route Travel Advance Request DFAS Form 9098 Claim for Temporary Lodging Expense (TLE)