Hi everyone! I'm a junior currently weighing up my options for life after high school. If I decide to join the military, and I get deployed, would the military cover my family’s moving expenses if they choose to move while I'm away?
Yes, the military does usually cover relocation costs for your family under a provision known as Permanent Change of Station (or PCS). This is a part of the military's effort to support servicemen and women during their deployment.
The PCS covers transportation for your family and shipment of household goods to the new location. It also covers lodging expenses during the move, within certain limits. However, note that PCS applies to geographically distant moves, and is typically granted when you receive orders to change duty stations.
In terms of unexpected family moves while you're deployed, the conditions can vary. If the move is necessitated by a change in your family situation, you might be able to request compassionate reassignment, which could potentially include coverage for relocation expenses.
However, it's important to note that the decision to grant such relocations is case-dependent and subject to approval by the military. Always consult with your chain of command or a military relocation officer to understand your benefits better in your specific situation.
CollegeVine’s Q&A seeks to offer informed perspectives on commonly asked admissions questions. Every answer is refined and validated by our team of admissions experts to ensure it resonates with trusted knowledge in the field.