Posted on May 31, 2018
What are the benefit differences between TCS vs PCS orders?
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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.
Thanks in advance.
Posted 7 y ago
Responses: 11
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
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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.
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1LT (Join to see)
The per diem is not guaranteed. Bliss apparently has a lot of on base housing available. If one’s orders say that per diem will be provided if no on base lodging is available, it may be safe to assume that one will not receive per diem at Bliss.
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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.
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SSG (Join to see)
Forgot, when I was put on orders both times I had to file monthly for everything, I am sure they have it on DTS now. Once you get DTS up it should be faster and easier than filing with DFAS monthly
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MAJ (Join to see)
Partial per diem would be cool. I'll take anything additional I can get. At least BAH is covering the Home front mortgage. we are authorized to live off post, but they have on-post housing if we wanted so I'm not sure we will see anything additional in that realm. I can't don't plan to use it because of my dog and my other half coming often for extended periods of time.
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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.
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.
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MAJ (Join to see)
I only say that in anticipation of the people saying it stinks. I honestly haven't been there to complain about it. My other half will come to visit me for extended periods of time and she's good at finding things to do so it'll be cool by me!
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MAJ Byron Oyler
MAJ (Join to see) - This has been one of my more enjoyable assignments. I get to long range shoot, fly, and go off roading. Best assignment I have had for my kids, so much to do for school age children, that is why I asked. Feel free to contact me once here and I can help you explore what up front is a boring, desert assignment that is anything but that.
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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.
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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.
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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
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MAJ (Join to see)
We will be on post for the mission, but I'm looking for housing off-post. Any good areas you can recommend? We'll be renting for a year... no kids. MAJ Byron Oyler
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CW2 (Join to see)
I live in NE El Paso. The Villages at Cottonwood Springs. Nice area. The management company used to manage the privatized housing here, and run it pretty much the same way now. I live about 10 minutes from post, and traffic has only been a problem once. My house is a bit older, but recently updated, so we are content.
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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.
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CW3 (Join to see)
Then you can't get full per diem per travel regulations; however, partial per diem may still be authorized.
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Hopefully the attachment is in. It is a finance guide for USAR Soldiers, pretty helpful.
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SGM (Join to see)
Just answered you Sir. Joint Travel Regulation will set you straight. But I would definitely contact FT Bliss finance office.
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SGM (Join to see)

The Joint Travel Regulations (JTR) are applicable to uniformed members of the seven uniformed services ( i.e., Uniformed Members of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps , Coast Guard, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Commissioned Corps, and Public Health Service Commissioned Corps), DoD civilian employees and others traveling at DoD expense. For DoD civilian employees, the JTR's authority is primarily derived from U.S.C....
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