Marine Corps PCS

Choosing the most convenient way to change duty stations in the Marine Corps

Serving as a Marine means being willing and ready to move often with Permanent Change of Station (PCS) orders. Relocating to a new base requires flexibility, but whether it’s on your timetable or the government-contracted mover’s schedule depends on the type of move you select.

Let’s review the types of moves available for Marine Corps PCS orders and learn how U-Pack can easily and conveniently handle a USMC move.

PCS moves while serving in the Marines

When you PCS to a new base, the Marine Corps will pay for your moving costs. You can choose between a government-arranged move (GAM), a personally procured move (PPM) or a partial PPM. 

Here’s how each type works:

Government-Arranged Move (GAM)

With a GAM, the government pays for and takes care of the whole move, from scheduling services at their convenience to unpacking at the new place. This includes packing, loading, transporting and unloading household goods (HHG). A GAM is the most hands-off option but offers little control or privacy.

Personally Procured Move (PPM), formerly known as a DITY move

With a PPM, formerly known as a do-it-yourself (DITY) move, you choose the mover and control scheduling. Whether you have the mover handle the moving labor or take care of it yourself is up to you. Plus, you’re eligible for 100% compensation of what the government cost would have been for the move after submitting proper paperwork and weight tickets for reimbursement. That means you can make money by choosing a military-friendly DIY service like U-Pack® over a full-service mover for your PPM.

Partial PPM

With a Partial PPM, the government handles moving most of your HHG, and you transport some things on your own. With this option, you might only travel with essentials like important documents, keepsakes, sentimental items and valuables. You are eligible for reimbursement only for the items you move — it requires weighing your vehicle empty and again after it’s loaded. 

Navigating USMC PCS orders

After receiving your orders and verifying the accurate information, follow these steps to help ensure the best PCS experience. 

Marines preparing for a first-time PCS must contact their local Distribution Management Office (DMO) for initial counseling, which includes choosing a move type. To start the process, you’ll need copies of your orders, plus medical records and personal identification for you and your dependents. 

If you’ve done a PCS before, you might be eligible to complete self-counseling online to review how to file claims, personal property entitlements, allowances and other procedures related to the move. 

Here are other necessary steps:

Register in the Defense Personal Property System 

Complete registration for a Defense Personal Property System (DPS) account or log in to an existing account to schedule and track your PCS. This is necessary for all moving types.

Confirm the status of your Government Travel Charge Card (for GAMs)

Marines completing a GAM must use a Government Travel Charge Card (GTCC) to pay for moving expenses like fuel, lodging, airfare, meals and rental cars. Check the status of your card or apply for one if this is your first PCS. 

The GTCC credit limit is based on entitlements. It's typically active ten days before departure and 15 days after check-in at the new base. Contact the Personal Property Shipping Office (PPSO) for more info about approved expenses. 

Prepare DD Forms (for PPMs)

If you choose a PPM, you must complete two key forms. DD Form 2278 is for approval of the move, and DD Form 1351-2 is submitted afterward for reimbursement.

Execute the move

If you choose a GAM, you’ll select a 7-day spread for the movers to pack and pick up your things. For a PPM, schedule movers based on the No Later Than (NLT) date on your orders. 

It’s best to book movers as soon as possible to ensure the dates you prefer. It’s also best to apply for housing on or near the new base when you get your PCS orders. 

Use this printable PCS checklist to stay on track.

Get a quote from U-Pack for your Marine PPM

It’s easy to request a U-Pack military moving quote online or by calling 844-362-5303844-594-3077 to speak to one of our moving experts. Make sure to request weight tickets and ask about military moving discounts.

U-Pack has been in business since 1997, handling long-distance moves in all 50 states, Canada and Puerto Rico. Let us know in the comments if you have questions about U-Pack, and thank you for your service!

Suggested reading: Military Moving Guide