What are the benefit differences between TCS vs PCS orders?

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 31 May 2018 21:49:41 -0400

I'm getting MOBed to be a part of a CRC training team in Ft Bliss (I know... it hurts my soul). We are getting sent with TCS orders. I've never been on TCS orders before but have been told they are better than PCS. Can someone explain to me why and what the additional benefits are? I know I'm getting BAH for my HOR, but I'm hearing there could also be additional funds for housing or per diem and I don't know who is right. Looking for advice and info!

Thanks in advance.

Response by MAJ Byron Oyler made Jun 1 at 2018 1:14 AM

MAJ Byron Oyler — Fri, 01 Jun 2018 01:14:54 -0400

You NG or reserves?

Response by 1SG Derek Lincoln made Jun 1 at 2018 6:53 AM

1SG Derek Lincoln — Fri, 01 Jun 2018 06:53:34 -0400

Besides your regular BAH and BAS benefits you should receive a per diem for the location you will be stationed at. I was on TCS orders and got 55% per diem. If I am not mistaken you will have to go into DTS and certify your voucher ever month. Good luck

Response by CPT Aaron Kletzing made Jun 1 at 2018 7:16 AM

CPT Aaron Kletzing — Fri, 01 Jun 2018 07:16:54 -0400

I don't have an answer here personally, but wanted to wish you the best of luck. Keep us posted here on RallyPoint if we can help in any way with answering questions or providing encouragement.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 1 at 2018 8:10 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 01 Jun 2018 08:10:11 -0400

Sir, I'm not for sure why everyone hates on FT. Bliss. It will be what you make it. It's way better than Hood, and Sill. There is actually a decent community that is there, plus you are close to nature, so many things to do. Yes, there is no larger city like Austin hear by, but El Pass has everything you could need.
I recommend you get out and explore, have fun. If you go in with the mindset that it's going to be horrible, well that's exactly what it will be.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 1 at 2018 9:25 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 01 Jun 2018 09:25:35 -0400

Sir, if it was like the orders they put me on you should as 1ST SGT stated get some per diem, We were alloted so much for housing since they could not put us on post (full) and a percentage for food. When I was at Jackson for 2 years, and when I went to Hood, they did the same thing, sent us off post to look for our own lodging and gave us $39 a day, plus you could get a percentage for food or get a meal card and give up the percentage. I think it depends on the post and how much space they have etc.

Response by SGM Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 1 at 2018 1:07 PM

SGM Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 01 Jun 2018 13:07:57 -0400

This is correct. You can find per diet tables at Dfas.mil.

Response by CW2 Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 2 at 2018 9:59 PM

CW2 Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 02 Jun 2018 21:59:00 -0400

TCS will get you all the extras, HOR BAH, the per diem, possibly family sep. PCS will give you local BAH and none of the extras.

Response by SGM Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 5 at 2018 12:36 PM

SGM Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 05 Jun 2018 12:36:38 -0400

Hopefully the attachment is in. It is a finance guide for USAR Soldiers, pretty helpful.

Response by CW3 Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 5 at 2018 12:39 PM

CW3 Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 05 Jun 2018 12:39:15 -0400

Under 180 days on TDY, you may qualify for full per diem in addition to BAH/BAS, which is huge. PCS orders won't typically give you per diem.

Response by CW2 Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 5 at 2018 10:52 PM

CW2 Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 05 Jun 2018 22:52:51 -0400

I can't answer your question, but I've been at Bliss for almost a month, and it's great! Haha Of course, I'm on Bliss proper. If you're gonna be out towards the training areas between here and WSMR, well, I got nothing. Lol

Response by SGM Omer Dalton made Jul 11 at 2021 6:12 PM

SGM Omer Dalton — Sun, 11 Jul 2021 18:12:31 -0400

TCS orders. Now that is a term that i have not heard in a very long time. I was working the system when this type orders were dreamed up back in the early 90s. It was used to back fill deploying units. It was just another form of long term TDY from parent unit.