For military service members and their families, moving is more than just packing boxes—it is a lifestyle. With assignments shifting across the globe, Permanent Change of Station (PCS) moves can be one of the most challenging aspects of military life.
For the Air and Space Forces, easing the burden of these moves has been an important focus for a while.
Over the past few years, the Department of the Air Force (DAF) has made significant improvements to the PCS process, and as we head into the Summer 2025 PCS cycle, even more enhancements are on the way.
Here is a look at what is changing:
What’s Already Improved?
Earlier Assignment Orders – No more last-minute scrambling! Instead of receiving orders just 60 days before a move, families now get them up to 210 days in advance, giving them more time to plan.
Higher Dislocation Allowance (DLA) – Moving costs add up quickly, so the DLA was increased in 2024 for E-1 through E-6 members with dependents, rising from $3,109 to $3,270 to help cover out-of-pocket expenses.
Pet Relocation Reimbursement – Because furry family members matter, too! Service members can now be reimbursed up to $550 for CONUS moves and $2,000 for OCONUS relocations—with a potential increase to $4,000 for special cases.
What’s Coming Later this Year?
A One-Stop PCS Resource – A revamped DAF PCS Benefits website with a QR code for easy access to all PCS-related info.
More Flexibility for House Hunting – Service members can use their 10 days of Permissive TDY (PTDY) incrementally, whether for house hunting or unpacking, making the transition smoother.
Expanded Temporary Lodging Benefits – TLA increased to 60 days for those departing an OCONUS duty station, and TLE extended from 14 to 21 days for CONUS moves.
Why PCS Changes Matter
By reducing the stress of PCS moves, these updates provide greater stability for military families—ensuring they can hit the ground running at their next assignment.
Moving will always be part of military life, but it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Hopefully these changes will lead to smoother PCSes for our military families!
If you’ve experienced a PCS move recently, we’d love to hear how it went! Send us an email at hello@wevett.com!
