PCS to Alaska Quick Guide

How to PCS to Alaska

If you’ve gotten Permanent Change of Station (PCS) orders to a military base in Alaska, there are some special circumstances to consider. Though Alaska is part of the United States, the military considers it OCONUS (outside of the contiguous United States). But don’t worry, PCSing can still be done easily! U-Pack^® has a lot of experience moving military members and their families to Alaska, and we have some tips and information to help you through the process. 

PCS Checklist for Military Moving

Planning a move for PCS orders

Permanent Change of Station (PCS) orders are given to thousands of military families each year. If you’ve recently received them, you may be wondering how to get all of the moving tasks completed in time, while still fulfilling daily duties. We’ve created a comprehensive PCS moving checklist to help you get prepared and stay organized — download it to keep track of everything from hiring a moving company to renewing your military ID. 

Things to Know about Moving to Eielson AFB

Eielson Air Force Base Relocation

As an active Air Force Base, Eielson is home to more than 2,500 military members. They belong to the 354^th Fighter Wing, which provides support to Pacific Air Forces training operations. While the base has been in operation since it was established in 1943, it will soon see growth as it becomes home to the first operational overseas F-35A Lightning IIs. Two squadrons will be joining the base in 2020, with construction beginning in 2017. Whether you have orders to join Eielson now or suspect you’ll be moving there with the addition of the F-35As, take a closer look at what to expect on base.

PCS Military Moving Guide

Military PCS moves  

According to Business Insider, more than one million soldiers actively serve our country at 158 installations worldwide. For military personnel and their families, it’s no secret that being in the United States Armed Forces requires frequent moves from one base to another. And whether you’re a longtime service member, or recently new, you may have a lot of questions about your upcoming PCS. This guide will help answer those questions, and provide some tips that will hopefully make this transition less stressful, and an experience you and your family can look forward to.

Military PCS to Alaska

Your Alaska PCS Guide

Whether it’s your first time or your fifth, if you’re completing a military move, having a plan in place is a must – and it’s even more important if you’re PCSing to Alaska. This guide is designed to help you determine the best way to get your household goods to Alaska and answer some of the most frequently asked questions.

How Much Does A Military Move Cost?

Did you just get PCS orders?

If so, it’s important to understand the benefits you qualify for before you start planning your move. Military relocation benefits change frequently due to regulations, rank, or your family size. One of the first questions you may ask after visiting with your Transportation Office (TO) is “How much does a military move cost?” While it's an important question, it's actually fairly complex, as there are moving costs, additional costs, and benefits that all combine to determine the cost of your military move.

What To Do When You Get Permanent Change of Station Orders

Do You have PCS Orders?

If you or a family member just got Permanent Change of Station Orders, you may be asking, “What do I do next?” U-Pack^® helps many military members and their families complete military moves each year, so we can help.

First, meet with your base transportation office. Depending on your branch, this office will have a different name, but they all do the same thing: help you move.

Personally Procured Move (PPM) Quotes

I’ve been approved to do a PPM…what’s next?

Well first, let me say that I think it’s pretty great that you’re doing a PPM! By doing some or all of the work yourself, you have a good chance of making some money when you get your reimbursement. Talk about motivation! Now that you’ve been given the green light, the next step is to get moving quotes. We’ll show you how to get quotes and compare them so that you can pocket the most money possible! Let’s get started.

Getting a PPM quote

Military Kids and Moving

Military Moving with Children

Making an Army DITY Move

Can you actually make money moving in the Army?

Yes, it takes a little extra work, but you certainly can! When moving under any branch of the military, you’re typically given two options:

• Let the military arrange and pay for your entire move OR
• Do part (or all) of the move yourself, turn your costs in for military reimbursement, and pocket what’s left over.

The second option is referred to as a DITY move, and it’s your means of making money on an Army move.