Orders

af fiancée

5-Year Member
Joined
Apr 4, 2013
Messages
9
Hello all,

My EAD is this coming February, and I was wondering if anyone could give me a rough idea of when I should expect orders. I know they try to do 60 days in advance, but is that realistic?

Also, how soon before my report date can I arrive? 1 week? 2? Or does it vary?

Thanks all, and happy holidays!
 
Yes, it is typically 60 days prior, but can drop as little as 6 weeks prior to your report date. They will give you a window for when you can arrive, it usually is only a few days prior to the RNLTD.

My DSs orders dropped the 1st week of August for an RNLTD of 9/30. He was given 3 days for travel. I want to say it was just under 7 weeks for him between the drop and his report date. I know it was not 60 days because he was getting anxious that they may change the date to a later one since he was getting close to 6 weeks.

Depending on where you are stationed the TLF may only guarantee your room starting at a certain date based on your orders. They may also say that the room is only guaranteed for X days. The reason why is they can have many people coming in or out at the exact same time.
~ IE UPT classes start @ every 3 weeks at Laughlin. They can have 30 people coming in just for UPT. Than you also have those being stationed there other than students, they will need housing (hotel) too. Plus, those outprocessing will be allowed to stay in the Qs too for a few days.

There really is no reason to get there too early because even if there is no on base housing available, realtors are accustomed to that and can get you into a rental within a few days. Sometimes faster than you can get into on base housing.
~ They will tell you prior to getting there your chances of getting on base housing.

In the course of the 20 yrs Bullet served we never reported earlier than maybe a day or 2 before the RNLTD, mainly because we knew the rules about the Qs with how many days they will guarantee you a room and the DLA pay structure. Our DS has PCSd 3 times now (UPT, schoolhouse and 1st op base) he too has never reported earlier than a day or 2 prior.

Right now what I would do now is start looking to see if you are guaranteed on base housing. If not, than start looking for housing options off base so you can hit the ground running. militarybyowner.com will have homes that are up for rent or purchase. I like the site because many of the owners are military members. They understand the need to get into a home. Also what you will see is a trend where many of the members live.
~ It is very common for them to live in certain areas. Looking through that site you can get to see a trend where many live off base compared to going to a site like zillow. It is to your advantage to live in one of those popular areas because if your car breaks down than you can call someone in the neighborhood to give you a ride to the base.
~~ IE on zillow it may say 10 minutes from base, and that is great, but it might be in an area that few live in because the school district/area is bad. Meanwhile on militarybyowner you might not see any houses in that area, and the reason why is because they know that and they stay away from it.

I don't see any reason to get there 1 or 2 weeks early, especially if this is your 1st assignment.
~ Later on, like my DS or myself, I get it if you are buying a home and want to do house hunting, but even than the incoming squadron will give you a few days of popping in and out so you can get settled, thus it really isn't necessary to be there more than a week early.

Hope all of that info helps.
 
Yes, it is typically 60 days prior, but can drop as little as 6 weeks prior to your report date. They will give you a window for when you can arrive, it usually is only a few days prior to the RNLTD.

My DSs orders dropped the 1st week of August for an RNLTD of 9/30. He was given 3 days for travel. I want to say it was just under 7 weeks for him between the drop and his report date. I know it was not 60 days because he was getting anxious that they may change the date to a later one since he was getting close to 6 weeks.

Depending on where you are stationed the TLF may only guarantee your room starting at a certain date based on your orders. They may also say that the room is only guaranteed for X days. The reason why is they can have many people coming in or out at the exact same time.
~ IE UPT classes start @ every 3 weeks at Laughlin. They can have 30 people coming in just for UPT. Than you also have those being stationed there other than students, they will need housing (hotel) too. Plus, those outprocessing will be allowed to stay in the Qs too for a few days.

There really is no reason to get there too early because even if there is no on base housing available, realtors are accustomed to that and can get you into a rental within a few days. Sometimes faster than you can get into on base housing.
~ They will tell you prior to getting there your chances of getting on base housing.

In the course of the 20 yrs Bullet served we never reported earlier than maybe a day or 2 before the RNLTD, mainly because we knew the rules about the Qs with how many days they will guarantee you a room and the DLA pay structure. Our DS has PCSd 3 times now (UPT, schoolhouse and 1st op base) he too has never reported earlier than a day or 2 prior.

Right now what I would do now is start looking to see if you are guaranteed on base housing. If not, than start looking for housing options off base so you can hit the ground running. militarybyowner.com will have homes that are up for rent or purchase. I like the site because many of the owners are military members. They understand the need to get into a home. Also what you will see is a trend where many of the members live.
~ It is very common for them to live in certain areas. Looking through that site you can get to see a trend where many live off base compared to going to a site like zillow. It is to your advantage to live in one of those popular areas because if your car breaks down than you can call someone in the neighborhood to give you a ride to the base.
~~ IE on zillow it may say 10 minutes from base, and that is great, but it might be in an area that few live in because the school district/area is bad. Meanwhile on militarybyowner you might not see any houses in that area, and the reason why is because they know that and they stay away from it.

I don't see any reason to get there 1 or 2 weeks early, especially if this is your 1st assignment.
~ Later on, like my DS or myself, I get it if you are buying a home and want to do house hunting, but even than the incoming squadron will give you a few days of popping in and out so you can get settled, thus it really isn't necessary to be there more than a week early.

Hope all of that info helps.



Wow, thank you so much for all the information!
 
Somebody in my ROTC class who commissioned two weeks ago just found out yesterday (22 DEC) at 1400 that he needs to report to BOLC on 26 DEC. He had no prior knowledge of orders before this.
 
Somebody in my ROTC class who commissioned two weeks ago just found out yesterday (22 DEC) at 1400 that he needs to report to BOLC on 26 DEC. He had no prior knowledge of orders before this.


Wow that would stress me out! I am officially less than 60 days out now and no orders yet. It is Christmas break though so I am sure no one is at the Det!
 
I would assume you would see them soon, but remember that date is just a placeholder and really means nothing. Until you have orders you really never know when you are going to leave. But I'd contact your det. may have been pushed back or could get them close to that date.
 
I would assume you would see them soon, but remember that date is just a placeholder and really means nothing. Until you have orders you really never know when you are going to leave. But I'd contact your det. may have been pushed back or could get them close to that date.


Yeah, Monday is less than 50 days out so I will call and see if it has been pushed back, or if orders have arrived! Hopefully the latter lol. Thanks!
 
Just an update: almost 5 weeks out now from my report date and still no orders. Hopefully soon, I am getting worried about securing on base housing, and whatever other logistics are involved with a PCS (first timer here).

Thanks all!
 
Are you married yet?

I don't know which base you are going to, but many times on base housing can be many months wait. Sometimes, you show up and they will give you the keys that day. I would really suggest you start looking into sites like militarybyowner.com or a respectable real estate company (C21, Coldwell Bankers, etc.)

Logistically from the move it is not that big of a deal. Once you have your orders, contact TMO and they will set up the date to pack you out.
~ Just guessing, but I would think it would be to your financial advantage to do at least a partial DITY. I am assuming that you will have 2 cars. Pack them to the gills. ( it is easy to make money on a DITY--- weigh the car before you pack it up, and than weigh it again with your stuff...they will pay you for that weight that you transported).
~~ Bullet became an expert at DITYing. Have home gym weights, they are small, put them in the car and not on the truck. IOWS anything heavy and small went with us, even if we were not going to use it immediately.

My other tip is if you have your own home now, than depending on the movers they may say we won't pack that (liquids, and spices) if you are not doing a door to door.
~ One thing many 1st timers don't realize is the cost of replacing all of your spices and how much it will cost.

I would also say that to expect a delay in your 1st paycheck. You will be out that money to drive to your 1st duty station. If you inprocess on the 8th, than there is a chance you will not get a check on the 15th. Meanwhile, even if you get on base housing you will have to pay for cable to be connected. Forced onto off base and you will have to pay at least the 1st months rent and a security deposit, plus utility deposits. That is also not touching the fact that you will have to pay the Qs to stay in them while you wait.
~ IOWS have a couple grand in your pocket before you move.
~~ DS showed up 9/30, Moved into BOQs at UPT 10/6. Got his 1st check 10/15 and his travel pay around the same time. Meanwhile from 9/30-10/15 it was all out of his checking account... buying spices, soap, toilet paper, etc. adds up a lot faster than you can imagine. He was single and kavetched at me how he spent 800 bucks just to set up his furnished Q...Commissary was 350, than he had the cable bill, and little things. If you get on base housing, it will be at least that because...welcome to the military...window coverings are not cheap, and on base housing does not come with any window coverings.
~~~~ Think small house...3 bdrm 1 1/2 bath. You will have at least 7 windows to place curtains on. You will also need to stop by Lowes to hang up anything....more money.

That of course also does not include the fact that even if you get on base housing the 1st day where you are unpacking and need to order in food for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Just saying that you have to pay this all out at 1st before you get any money back.
 
I am married, and I think a partial DITY is looking better and better!

My wife always mentions how bad our first grocery bill will be, but I am shocked how much it was for your DS. If only we could live without spices and window coverings!

We have saved a decent amount since we are living with her family. We looked on some sites for off base housing and decided for our budget it would have to be an apartment, which is fine.

Just got a call from the DET asking for my EAD and HOR address because they received a call from the nearest base asking for an update so they could finally begin to process my orders and send them to the DET. Any idea how long that could take?

In a perfect world we can get on base and have a place ready for us when we arrive, but for now I am just excited to be moving to a new state!

Sorry if my reply isn't very comprehensive, I'm on my phone.

Thank you for all your help!

Are you married yet?

I don't know which base you are going to, but many times on base housing can be many months wait. Sometimes, you show up and they will give you the keys that day. I would really suggest you start looking into sites like militarybyowner.com or a respectable real estate company (C21, Coldwell Bankers, etc.)

Logistically from the move it is not that big of a deal. Once you have your orders, contact TMO and they will set up the date to pack you out.
~ Just guessing, but I would think it would be to your financial advantage to do at least a partial DITY. I am assuming that you will have 2 cars. Pack them to the gills. ( it is easy to make money on a DITY--- weigh the car before you pack it up, and than weigh it again with your stuff...they will pay you for that weight that you transported).
~~ Bullet became an expert at DITYing. Have home gym weights, they are small, put them in the car and not on the truck. IOWS anything heavy and small went with us, even if we were not going to use it immediately.

My other tip is if you have your own home now, than depending on the movers they may say we won't pack that (liquids, and spices) if you are not doing a door to door.
~ One thing many 1st timers don't realize is the cost of replacing all of your spices and how much it will cost.

I would also say that to expect a delay in your 1st paycheck. You will be out that money to drive to your 1st duty station. If you inprocess on the 8th, than there is a chance you will not get a check on the 15th. Meanwhile, even if you get on base housing you will have to pay for cable to be connected. Forced onto off base and you will have to pay at least the 1st months rent and a security deposit, plus utility deposits. That is also not touching the fact that you will have to pay the Qs to stay in them while you wait.
~ IOWS have a couple grand in your pocket before you move.
~~ DS showed up 9/30, Moved into BOQs at UPT 10/6. Got his 1st check 10/15 and his travel pay around the same time. Meanwhile from 9/30-10/15 it was all out of his checking account... buying spices, soap, toilet paper, etc. adds up a lot faster than you can imagine. He was single and kavetched at me how he spent 800 bucks just to set up his furnished Q...Commissary was 350, than he had the cable bill, and little things. If you get on base housing, it will be at least that because...welcome to the military...window coverings are not cheap, and on base housing does not come with any window coverings.
~~~~ Think small house...3 bdrm 1 1/2 bath. You will have at least 7 windows to place curtains on. You will also need to stop by Lowes to hang up anything....more money.

That of course also does not include the fact that even if you get on base housing the 1st day where you are unpacking and need to order in food for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Just saying that you have to pay this all out at 1st before you get any money back.
 
Do a DITY. Think wisely right now. Do you own 2 cars? If memory serves me, only 1 car will account for the dity....however that doesn't mean you can't weigh car 1 empty, pack it up and weigh it full, than disperse the weight between the 2 cars for the drive.

Let them pack the non-essentials that weigh little to nothing...sheets, towels, clothing (except for 1 week). Have them pack anything fragile (pictures, vases,etc)

Pack spices, shampoos, laundry detergent, etc.
A. You will want them immediately
B. If the movers decide to throw it into a box with your clothes, sheets, whatever, and it breaks/opens than you could have to deal with shampoo or garlic powder on those items.

If you get base housing, it will most likely be what I said earlier...you need to expect to buy curtain rods and curtains for the front of the house at the very least from the get go.
~ Wake up call...curtain rods and curtains, even from Wal Mart can cost 30 bucks a window....cheap, cheap, cheap... not talking those pretty wrought iron rods, talking the white plastic one. Pretty wrought iron ones for the living room...think 40-50 bucks, and that is before the curtains.

Did you take the career starter loan?
~ If not than you should look into it.

I would say you should have 5K banked to feel comfortable. Again, if you show up on the 9th or the 25th of the month, chances are you will not get paid the next week, which means you need to survive 3 weeks. Show up on the 9th, not paid on the 15th, paid on the 1st. Meanwhile, that credit card you paid to move (hotels, U Haul, etc) was due on the 27th. The 1st commissary bill will have occurred plus, all of the deposits for a rental (security deposit, water, electric, gas, cable and garbage) would have had to be paid out. That of course does not include those darn curtains and curtain rods.
~ Yes, I know I am stuck on those curtain and rod issue. I am now a retired AF wife...moved 11 times in 21 years, and not once did any of our curtains fit from one move to the next...House 1 had wider windows, but longer length than house 2. House 2 had the same width as house 3, but shorter length. HINT: Go to Airmens Attic (thrift shop) on base or closest Goodwill.

OBTW do you have a washer and dryer, because if not, be prepared to pay for them when you live on base.
~ On base housing does not include those items....or at least in my time they didn't...IOWS another bill that you didn't think about.

Is this a true PCS or a school?
 
LOL @ the curtains/rods ... preach! The pantry is the worst you just don't even realize how much those dang condiments cost till you have to re do the base fridge fill for the 12th time... But on the window coverings by 3rd time of too short/too long too wide/too narrow that went with the same color and all 8ft tall curtain panels the 12 foot wide windows in German housing mixed the lace curtains with the US style.
 
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