Posted on June 26th, 2024. 

The experience of managing the ins and outs of a Permanent Change of Station (PCS) can be incredibly challenging for you and your family. One moment you're settled into a familiar community, and the next, you're orchestrating a move to an entirely new location. In this blog post, we will explore how to manage the stress of PCS. 

What is PCS? 

A PCS entails a service-required relocation where active duty military personnel are ordered to move from one duty station to another. These moves happen regularly due to the demands of service, which might include career progression, filling critical roles in different locations, or fulfilling specific mission requirements. The frequency of these relocations can vary significantly depending on the service member’s role and branch. On average, military families can expect to receive orders for a PCS every two to three years. It's also not uncommon for members to move sooner if their job requires it. This constant movement can create both opportunities and stressors as families must repeatedly adapt to new environments, schools, and communities. From packing up homes to enrolling children in new schools, the amount of logistical planning involved in a PCS is substantial. 

Given these frequent relocations, military families face unique pressures that can affect their mental and emotional well-being. Moving often means leaving behind established support networks, which can lead to feelings of isolation and stress. Finding new housing, dealing with different educational systems, and adjusting to new social and cultural settings are challenges that can compound feelings of uncertainty and anxiety. Service-required relocations also impact spouses’ careers, causing job interruptions and difficulties in maintaining stable employment. Moreover, children often bear the brunt of these transitions, having to make new friends and adapt to different educational standards. Encouraging a proactive approach to stress management can make these relocations smoother and less daunting. 

Identify Stressors and Managing Pre-PCS Stress 

Recognizing and managing stress around PCS is critical for military families. One primary stressor is finding new housing. Constantly having to sell, buy, or rent homes can be overwhelming. Each move involves researching neighborhoods that are not only safe but also close to the service member’s new duty station. The logistical processes of organizing movers, packing, unpacking, and setting up a new household demand significant time and energy. To manage stress related to housing, start early by researching prospective neighborhoods and connecting with local military support groups. Online resources and mobile apps can provide reviews and firsthand experiences from other military families. Creating a timeline and checklist can help keep track of important dates and tasks, easing the chaos. Consider temporary housing options like furnished apartments near the new base. 

Transitioning children to new schools is another significant worry. Each region might have different educational standards, extracurricular activities, and support services. Children might face emotional stress from leaving friends and adjusting to new peer groups, which can affect their academic performance and well-being. To address this, involve your children in the process by discussing the move and what they can expect at their new school. School liaison officers are a valuable resource, providing information about local schools, enrollment procedures, and programs for military children. For spousal employment, frequent relocations can disrupt careers and lead to financial strains. Many spouses feel the pressure of finding new jobs that align with their skills and interests, which can be daunting given the constant changes. Spousal employment programs and job fairs organized by military support organizations can offer job placement assistance and career counseling. Consider remote work opportunities, which are flexible and can be continued from one location to another. Cultivating a support network through social media groups and local community centers can be a great source of emotional support, advice, and job leads. By proactively addressing these common stressors, planning ahead, and seeking support where needed, you can reduce the mental and emotional strain of a PCS. 

Utilize Relocation Assistance and Services 

Utilizing relocation assistance and services can significantly ease the burden of a Permanent Change of Station (PCS). Military families have access to numerous relocation assistance programs designed to help navigate the complex logistics of moving. These programs provide a wealth of resources that can aid in everything from finding new housing to settling into a new community. One key resource is the Military Relocation Assistance Program (MRAP), offered through Military OneSource. This program helps families by offering personalized moving plans, providing information on housing options, and even offering financial counseling. Whether you need details about your new duty station or assistance with shipping household goods, MRAP is a comprehensive support system. Moreover, base Family Support Centers typically have relocation specialists who can provide local knowledge and recommend good neighborhoods, schools, and essential services. These specialists are invaluable for reducing the stress associated with moving to a new and unfamiliar place. 

Relocation Services such as the Department of Defense’s Relocation Assistance Program (RAP) are also crucial. RAP offers workshops and individual counseling sessions that cover a wide range of topics pertinent to a move, such as budgeting for a PCS, understanding entitlements and allowances, and going through the challenges of international moves. Their workshops can also furnish you with practical advice on how to pack efficiently and handle unexpected hiccups that might arise. Furthermore, the Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP) offers an additional layer of support for families with special needs, ensuring proper medical and educational services are available at the new location. Proactive engagement in these relocation assistance services can significantly mitigate the stress on spouses and children. For instance, spouse employment help is available through programs like the Military Spouse Employment Partnership (MSEP), which connects spouses with employers who are committed to hiring them. On the children’s front, the School Liaison Officers assist parents in enrolling their kids in new schools and acclimating to their new educational environment. By leveraging these relocation assistance programs, you can focus more on the exciting opportunities of a PCS rather than the challenges. 

Maintain Health and Wellbeing Post-PCS 

Maintaining health and wellbeing post-PCS is fundamental as families settle into their new routines. Prioritizing service member health and family wellbeing after a move can lead to a smoother transition and a more positive experience overall. One vital element is establishing a new healthcare network. As soon as possible, register with medical facilities near your new duty station and find healthcare providers for your family’s specific needs. This may include pediatricians, therapists, and dental care providers. TRICARE, the military health insurance program, can assist in finding these services, enabling you to continue any ongoing treatments or receive necessary care without delays. For mental health support, don’t hesitate to leverage remote counseling services to stay connected to a therapist familiar with the challenges you face. It’s equally important to encourage each family member to voice their feelings about the move, creating an open line of communication. 

Creating a routine as soon as possible helps establish a sense of normalcy. This routine should include time for relaxation and activities that you enjoy, whether it’s family game night, weekend outings, or simply scheduling a quiet moment to read. With PCS moves known for their inherent post-PCS stress, integrating familiar routines can reduce feelings of disorientation. The logistical aspects of setting up a new home, such as unpacking and organizing, should be approached methodically. Additionally, it's beneficial to explore the resources your new base offers, such as family support centers, counseling services, and social groups. These resources are invaluable in building a new support network, easing the transition, and ensuring that you feel welcomed in your new community. 

Related: https://rise-alone-therapy.ueniweb.com/blog/building-resilience-in-military-families 

Wrapping Up 

It’s clear that managing the complexities of a PCS requires a multidimensional approach. By diving into the resources available and incorporating consistent self-care routines, you can ease the transition and build a thriving new life at each duty station. Prioritizing mental health is equally important. 

At Rise Alone Therapy, we understand the importance of mental health. Our online therapy services are designed to provide specialized support you with the tools they need to navigate the complexities of military life. Like those we offer, remote counseling services can provide invaluable support during this transitional period. Our approach prioritizes your well-being, offering professional guidance in an accessible and flexible manner.  

Get in Touch: We're Here to Help!! 

Reach us out at +1 (803) 968 2321 or [email protected]. Remember, you don't have to navigate this journey alone.