7 Ways to Expect the Unexpected During Your Next PCS

The term “PCS” is just shy of being a "four-letter word" to a military family. You learn quickly to expect the unexpected. When you hear that it is PCS time for your family, there is nothing that induces fear faster, except maybe a deployment…Or maybe not even that. Whether you have moved a dozen times (in which case you have earned our never-ending respect), or are anxiously anticipating your first move (in which case we feel for you and are here if you need anything (See this PCS Move article for help in deciding what to pack!), PCSing is one moment everyone can agree comes with mixed emotions. Now I’ve been excited to leave a duty station , but that isn’t the same as being thrilled to move all my (precious) belongings across an ocean, two states and multiple cattle guards. Because when it comes to moving with the military, only one thing can be counted on for sure: expect the unexpected . Below are seven of the “unexpected” moments you can count on during your PCS experience. Don’t say we didn’t warn you… 1. The movers will be late (or really, really early… if they come at all.) Again we say, expect the unexpected . You are a professional by now. You’ve got a binder filled with dates, labeled tabs highlighting every rest stop along your trip, a packing list that would make Princess Kate’s assistants jealous, and still, you can’t make movers show up on time. They don’t know you have pizza, soda, and air conditioning in 29 Palms in the dead of summer or they’d be there...right?! Wrong. Without a doubt, but with a million excuses, the movers will not be on the same timetable as you are. Plan to let go of your plan a little when it comes to this. And don’t order the pizza until they show up. 2. Your move dates will change. And change again. And one more time for good measure. It’s best not to get too worked up over this, because the military is known for being 100% mission ready all the time. It makes sense that they expect families to comply to this too, but it certainly doesn’t make it any less frustrating. This is why they have the liquor department in the PX, so you can really deal and expect the unexpected. So stock up on wine, invite some girlfriends over for some pizza (soon to be a staple food group during your PCS Move), and complain together about how unfair a world is that would take you from them and be fickle about it on top of everything else. No one gets it like your sisters that have been there too. More than once, most likely… 3. Your spouse will get pulled for duty the week you are supposed to pack out. Yes, this happens. I’m still not sure if my husband requested to be out in the field in 110 degree heat for a week of rifle training on purpose to avoid the boxing of his 942 military career books, paraphernalia, awards and uniforms, or if he was dreading the week as much as I was. Either way, it seems to always happen right when we book the movers… Curious, huh? Either way, remind those friends who offered to help of your address, bring out the pizza (you knew that was coming, right?), and start taping boxes. I didn’t promise this list would be pleasant. Just accurate . 4. Some of your favorite, bubble-wrapped, safely-secured, couldn’t-break memorabilia will get broken. There’s no real way to prevent this, including packing, driving, storing it yourself. Which families still try to do, despite all the horror stories their friends tell them over wine about how this is a baaaaad idea. Which brings me to my next point… 5. You will regret that DIY move halfway across Iowa. When the kids are screaming, and there isn’t enough space in all of the cornfields to separate them, and your great-aunt Mildred’s armoire is cracked from that darn cattle guard (who puts a cattle guard in the middle of freaking nowhere?!), and your husband got called to duty early and flew to the next duty station via a first class free upgrade and your closest friends are nowhere near Iowa because they know better and tried to warn you, and…. Trust me, no matter how bad it gets, you aren’t alone. We’ve all done it, which is why we can all preach we will never do it again. Think how much wiser you’ll seem when you’re the one with a smug look accompanying your Pinot as you warn a new spouse NOT to DIY it to California, especially if it looks like GPS will swing them through Iowa… 6. Your PCS one state away just became an international move. With three weeks notice. If this happens to you (nay, WHEN this happens to you), think of me. Hugging you for strength, crying with you, and holding your hand as you try not to scream at the post office lady for telling you the impossibility for getting back five passports in that amount of time and wondering why you didn’t plan better. Civilians just don’t get it, and the sooner you realize that, the more you’ll save your vocal cords and sanity. Delegate tasks, call on your sisters and family and distant relatives you haven’t seen in a decade, put the kids in daycare, and rise above it. You got this, girl. Once you get there and get settled, invite the family out to visit your new Italian digs. Because you’re living an amazing life we’re all jealous of. 7. You WILL make friends like your old ones at the next duty station, I promise. We’re there, scattered across the world like beautiful seeds ready to blossom wherever we’re planted, so find us, seek us out, and tell us your story. We’re missing our tribe back home too, but believe me, having an even bigger tribe is the coolest feeling in the world. So get out there and make new friends. You won’t regret it, even when the three years flies by and before you know it, it’s that dreaded season again… Who else do you think is going to help you move if not that new neighbor you just met but can imagine becoming fast wine and pizza friends with? See, now you’re catching on… :) Connect with us on Facebook! [related_post themes="flat”] 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 , 5 , 6 , 7

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