How can I ensure that I PCS from my current duty station?

SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 06 Apr 2023 19:15:36 -0400

I re-upped and stabilized at my duty station for 2 years. That window is ending in February 2024; my NCOIC says to wait until July or so for the "market" to open and for an email to appear in my inbox.

Branch says to speak with a career counselor within my company to ensure I don't automatically lock in with Ft. Bliss for a second time (I'm from Alaska, and I despise deserts).

This is my first traditional PCS (I changed MOSs, went to school, and was automatically sent to Bliss) so I don't know the process. My ASK is updated with my three preferences but I was told by my NCOIC that there's a list of 15 or so bases that I can arrange in order of appeal (not that that means anything over needs of the army) but since I can't establish best-of-3-pattern for guidance, I'm left wondering who's right in this case? I'm just trying to get ahead of this because I don't want to miss any window to do so. Any help is appreciated, thank you.

Response by SFC Ralph E Kelley made Apr 7 at 2023 12:56 AM

SFC Ralph E Kelley — Fri, 07 Apr 2023 00:56:37 -0400

Extending for a critical school is one method. Volunteering for an overseas tour is another, especially if its a hardship tour that no one wants or is a difficult assignment.

Response by SFC Casey O'Mally made Apr 7 at 2023 9:09 AM

SFC Casey O'Mally — Fri, 07 Apr 2023 09:09:05 -0400

The single best way to guarantee a PCS is to re-enlist for it. It sounds like you may be outside your window for that, though. So your #2 best option is continuous contact with Branch. And by continuous contact, I mean like once a month, not every day.

Of course, I let branch send me wherever they wanted - I was needs of Army for every single assignment, and I never once asked branch for anything in regards to PCS. For me the surprise and adventure were half the fun. So take my advice for what it is worth.

Response by SSgt Christophe Murphy made Apr 7 at 2023 9:10 AM

SSgt Christophe Murphy — Fri, 07 Apr 2023 09:10:00 -0400

Your instinct to not wait is spot on. Be proactive and work with your career jammer. They will be able to get you moving down the road where you can get something within your preference list and not be assigned by the needs of the Army. Anyone who waits to see what the Military gives them is just asking to be disappointed.

Response by SGM Erik Marquez made Apr 8 at 2023 12:39 PM

SGM Erik Marquez — Sat, 08 Apr 2023 12:39:35 -0400

SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member - The lowest level career counselor is at the Battalion level in most all cases, some units operating separately may have someone at the company level, but really that's the company commander's job.
I see you are at Bliss but working at the community health center, that is a unit structure and location I'm not familiar with, but I guarantee your 1SG and CDR are. Go ask them who and where your supporting career counselor is...it may be in your command, or you may need to use the post career counselor.

Response by SGM Erik Marquez made Apr 8 at 2023 2:22 PM

SGM Erik Marquez — Sat, 08 Apr 2023 14:22:26 -0400

SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member I sent you a direct message I can give you the specific points of contact for your career counselor.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 15 at 2023 7:22 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 15 Apr 2023 19:22:59 -0400

If you volunteer for Alaska, you should be able to get it. I did a full enlistment as an 11B at Wainwright. and did TDY at Bassett Army Hospital there after I reclassed. When I was retiring 8 years later, I came down on assignment at Wainwright again with a report date of 1 day after my retirement terminal leave ended. I helped HRC fix the oversight.