Our family is in their final weeks of active duty service. It's a bit nerve wracking...but that's a different story for a different time. After 21 years of military service and plenty of moves, I have accumulated my own list of mistakes that I and other people make when we get our orders.
You will find that this post is peppered with military lingo and acronyms. I have noticed that it is very hard to lose this jargon that I have acquired over the years. Forgive me. A PCS means "Permanent Change of Station" and is the military way of saying "MOVE"!!
The military has ever changing rules and requirements that can be very confusing. It is important to keep up with the basic rules so that you don’t wind up paying out of your own pocket for your move.
Avoid these 10 biggest mistakes:
10.Failing to keep the proper paperwork: Get an expandable pocket folder to keep your paperwork sorted and all in one place. Regardless, of whether you are moving yourself (military talk = DITY or PPM)or the military packs up your household goods and moves you, it is best to diligantly save all your receipts.
9. Failing to keep JPPSO (military moving office) updated on your non-temporary storage: Every service member is entitled to at least 90 days of long-term storage. Know the rules and requirements. For example, make sure the JPPSO (Personal Property Shipment Office) has a valid address where they can contact you. Failing to do so can cost you $$$.
8. Not understanding the claim filing procedure: In the PCS brief and the PPM (former DITY) brief you will receive information about the claim filing procedure. Read it, understand it, and keep it. Have an inventory of the valuables in your home.
7. Overshipping: Think: Overseas move. Not all overseas locations have generous size housing. Research how big your future quarters might be and consider this when you arrange your shipping.
6. Doing something that is not authorized on your orders: Take a close look at your orders. If you have dependents does it say: “Dependents: yes”, or “authorized to move household goods “with dependents”? If not have the orders amended.
5. Taking the maximum advance on a PPM (former DITY move): You are authorized up to 60% advance pay if you do a PPM. You’ll easily end up owing money which will be deducted from your pay in one big lump sum.
4. Exceeding your weight allowance: Know your weight allowance. Drop weight if necessary. Sort, sell, throw out. Separate your Pro Gear- it does not count against your total weight.
3. Don’t Cheat! : It happens more often than you think! Generally, this is in connection with a PPM (DITY Move) and in regards to weighing the vehicles. It can cost your career.
2. Not Communicating w/ your partner and family: Talk about what needs to be done and what your expectations are.
1. Having the wrong attitude:
It’s your attitude not your aptitude that will determine your altitude. ~Warren Miller
There will be a time when moving (again), for whatever reason, will be extremely hard for you. However, you’ll still have to move. The attitude you have will make or break you. Be positive for your own well-being as well as the well being of your family.
If you have any questions please feel free, to contact me. Military or not, I am here to help.
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