Frequently Asked Questions
Real answers to the questions we hear most. No JTR jargon.
What is PCS Copilot?
PCS Copilot generates a personalized PCS playbook for your specific move. You tell us your rank, branch, origin, destination, dependents, and move details — and we give you your exact entitlements in dollars, a week-by-week timeline, and a checklist of everything you need to do. It takes 2 minutes and costs $24.
How fast do I get my playbook?
Your playbook builds right after payment. You'll get a link by email and can open it in your browser. It takes a moment to generate, then it's yours.
What's included in the playbook?
Your playbook includes: your estimated DLA, MALT, per diem, TLE/TLA, and PPM payout in exact dollar amounts based on your rank and dependents; an 8-week countdown timeline with specific deadlines for TMO, housing, medical, finance, and outprocessing; branch-specific gotchas and tips; and a checklist you can actually follow.
Is this official military advice?
No. PCS Copilot is not affiliated with the DoD, any branch of service, or any official military program. The information is based on the Joint Travel Regulations (JTR), DTOD, and real PCS experience — but always verify with your finance office and TMO for your specific situation.
What PCS entitlements am I owed?
Most service members are entitled to DLA (Dislocation Allowance), MALT (mileage reimbursement), per diem during travel, TLE or TLA (temporary lodging), household goods shipment, and potentially PPM (DITY) move reimbursement. The exact amounts depend on your rank, dependents, and whether you're moving OCONUS. Your playbook calculates all of these for you.
What's a PPM (DITY) move and should I do one?
A Personally Procured Move (PPM), formerly called DITY, means you move some or all of your household goods yourself instead of using the government's moving company. The government pays you what it would have cost them — which can be thousands of dollars in profit, especially for shorter CONUS moves. You need weight tickets and an approved PPM in DPS.
What is DLA and how much will I get?
Dislocation Allowance (DLA) is a flat payment to cover miscellaneous moving costs — deposits, utility hookups, etc. In 2026, the rate for E-4 to E-6 is $2,389.42 without dependents and $3,548.02 with dependents (rates vary by pay grade). You get DLA for every qualifying PCS move. No receipts required.
I'm PCSing OCONUS. What's different?
OCONUS moves involve additional considerations: TLA instead of TLE (up to 60 days), possible COLA, passports/visas/SOFA stamps, vehicle shipping or storage, overseas housing allowance (OHA), and potentially longer HHG transit times. Your playbook flags all OCONUS-specific items and deadlines.
My family member is enrolled in EFMP. What do I need to know?
If you have a family member in the Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP), your assignment must be screened and approved to ensure adequate medical and educational services at the gaining installation. Start the EFMP screening as early as possible — it can take weeks and can block your PCS if not completed. Your playbook includes EFMP-specific timeline items.
How far in advance should I start preparing for a PCS?
Ideally 8–10 weeks before your report date. That gives you time for TMO scheduling, housing applications, medical/dental records, vehicle prep, school transfers, and all the other moving parts. The earlier you start, the less stressful it is. Your playbook gives you a week-by-week countdown starting from today.
Can I get a refund?
Yes. Email roger@pcscopilot.com within 24 hours of your purchase for a full refund, no questions asked. After 24 hours, reach out and we'll work it out case by case.
Who built this?
PCS Copilot was built by someone who got tired of digging through the 800-page JTR and watching people leave money on the table every PCS. The goal is simple: every service member should know exactly what they're owed and exactly what to do, without needing to become a finance expert.
Still have questions?
Email us at roger@pcscopilot.com — or just build your playbook and see for yourself.
Build my playbook — $24