PSC life hacks: veteran movers discuss tips to ease move process

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Eli Chevalier
  • Kirtland Public Affairs
KIRTLAND AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. --  

With permanent change of station season fast approaching, Kirtland Public Affairs sat down with some experienced military spouses to gain some tips and tricks about the process.

What were some early struggles you encountered PCSs that you had to figure out?

Wylisha Roy – “We were stationed in a location that was home for me, it was where I grew up. So the biggest challenge for me was navigating the thought of living away from family, away from friends and my job. I was working full time when we were at Tinker [AFB]. Moving to [Joint Base] McGuire, the concern was okay, will I still work? What will I do? What will that look like?”

Vennita Weir – “My first PCS was [overseas]. We went from Nellis [AFB] to Camp Darby, Italy. That was huge--it wasn’t just moving from state to state, it was moving to a whole other continent. It was a whole other ball game.

What were some resources that helped you through your moves?

Roy – “Initially, with that first move, I didn’t know anything about any resources. Then I started learning about options like the Family Readiness Center, online forums and Facebook groups. Now, every base has multiple groups that can answer your questions. And sometimes you can even track down the gaining unit’s group and get the real inside scoop from people your spouse will be working with or who you will be working with.”

Weir – “Communication. [Our spouses] are so much more aware of resources available to us.”

What are some tips or strategies that you have employed to streamline the PCS process?

Roy – “I have a favorite tip. For people with kids, especially if you PCS in the summer, get your kids’ yearly physical for sports at your current base, so when you get to your gaining base you don’t have to fight other people for appointments. When you do that, you should look at the school district’s website that you are heading to, and download their forms and give those to your current doctor.”

Weir – “When you know you are going to have a new assignment coming up, get your medical clearance for yourself and your children done. Once you have and assignment and the medical clearance paperwork, you’re going to get your actual hard-copy orders so much sooner, which helps for housing lists, schools, TMO, all that stuff.”

Roy – “Even if you think you are not going to live on base, get on the waiting list on that new base so you have options.”

Are there any answers that you wish you would have known during your first few moves?

Roy – “I think I would have just liked to know what questions to ask. I feel like that very first PCS, you really just don’t know anything at all. If you have moved many times before, try to make yourself available to those your families where it may be their first time, so that way they know they can come to you for questions.”

Do you have any advice for Airmen and their families who are going through a move?

Roy – “Talk to each other and divide and conquer. You’re a team for a reason. This is one of those times that teamwork becomes really important.”

Weir – “Just breathe. Honestly. No matter what it is that goes wrong or how intimidating it is going to seem, just do the easiest thing first. Make your lists. Take deep breaths. Fluidity is essential. When we were leaving Italy our then five-year-old came down with a double ear infection and could not fly. Two days before the flight. We didn’t freak out, stayed calm and everything ended up working out okay.”

Officially, the Traffic Management Office (TMO) Personal Property and Passenger Travel are going to be key points of contact. For their best practices and official guidance, see the moving icon on the Kirtland App. Unofficially, people ready to move can always benefit from the experience of people who have been through it.