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How to have PCS success

  • Published
  • By Airman Whitney Amstutz
  • 36th Wing Public Affairs
ANDERSEN AIR FORCE BASE, Guam --  Members of the U.S. Armed Forces are known for their ability to be mission ready at all times. They are famous for their bravery and unshakable military bearing. However, there is one thing that can make even the most stoic servicemembers cringe.

For many military members, out-processing can prove to be a daunting task. Fortunately, there are organizations put in place specifically to aid individuals who are beginning their permanent change of station, or PCS move.

Both the Airman and Family Readiness Center and the Travel Management Office are dedicated to making your PCS as seamless as possible.

Community Readiness Consultant, Mrs. Terry Duenas, who has worked at the Airman and Family Readiness Center for over ten years, has found that many servicemembers find it difficult to meet deadlines when trying to out-process.

"Quite a few of our members miss their deadlines due to deployments of temporary duties immediately prior to their PCS move," she said.

Mrs. Dela Leon Guerrero, Project Supervisor of Household Goods, has also discovered that many military members have trying PCS moves as a result of missed deadlines.

"Some people receive their orders two months prior to departing Guam and they wait until three weeks out before contacting TMO," Mrs. Leon Guerrero said. "Dates are not always guaranteed and it interferes with household goods pick-up."

Both Mrs. Duenas and Mrs. Leon Guerrero feel that the key to a successful PCS is early preparation.

"I highly advise everyone to come in as soon as possible with their orders," Mrs. Leon Guerrero said. "Once their orders are cut we can begin to help them initiate their move."

The Airman and Family Readiness Center provides a Smooth Move class that is designed to prepare individuals for their upcoming PCS.

"I invite all of the subject matter experts so that they are available to answer the servicemembers questions," Mrs. Duenas said. "It has been very advantageous to the members."

Representatives from the Military Personnel Flight, TMO, housing, the personal property processing office, and transportation are only a few of the experts who will be available to answer questions at the Smooth Move seminar.

"I believe that it is vital that people be aware of the Smooth Move class," said Mrs. Leon Guerrero. "It is a very helpful tool and it is available to everyone."

Out-processing fears can now become a thing of the past. With such helpful organizations as the Airman and Family Readiness Center and TMO, your PCS can become a success.

"We are here because we want to help the members be mission ready," Mrs. Duenas said. "No. question is too small. We should be their one-stop shop."