At 18 years old, I found myself standing on the edge of a major life change—As a young Airman I conducted my first Permanent Change of Station (PCS) in the United States Air Force. This transition, though expected, brought a whirlwind of emotions, from excitement to anxiety, as I prepared to leave behind the familiarity of my first duty station. Moving in the military is more than just packing bags and traveling across the country; it is a test of mental resilience, physical endurance, and adaptability. Although my story is of a single Airman without a family, today I see firsthand the stress and work associated with military moves whether you are a single military member or moving with a family. The stress and work remain but both the military and organizations like AHRN have evolved and added resources available to help you navigate all the moving parts associated with a PCS move…if you use and access them.
The Orders Drop: Excitement and Anxiety
The moment I received my PCS orders, my heart raced with both excitement and dread. A new assignment meant new opportunities, new experiences, and a fresh start—but it also meant saying goodbye to the place and people that had become my comfort zone. The bonds I formed with fellow Airmen, the routine I had established, the resources I had become comfortable with and even the trivial things—like my favorite chow hall specialty—now left behind.
The fear of the unknown became my biggest challenge. Where would I be living? Would I fit in with my new unit? Would I be able to manage the changes associated with an unfamiliar environment? Being prepared was the key to success.
The Mental and Physical Challenges
PCS moves can be exhausting…both mentally and physically. The constant paperwork, out-processing requirements, and figuring out travel arrangements felt overwhelming. Balancing my duties while ensuring I met all deadlines required a level of organization that I was not sure I had. One wrong step could delay my move or create unnecessary stress, so I had to stay sharp and initiative-taking.
Physically, the move was just as demanding. Packing up my belongings, sorting through what to keep and what to let go of, and making sure everything was in order took more energy than I anticipated. The thought of arriving at a new base and having to set up my life all over again was daunting. Finding housing, unpacking, and adjusting to a different climate or time zone all added layers of stress. I also faced the challenge of proving myself in a new unit. I wanted to make a good first impression, but it was intimidating to step into an unfamiliar team where everyone already knew each other. I had to balance confidence with humility, learning the new units’ dynamics while showing that I was a capable and high-speed Airman.
How an AHRN Relocation Concierge Could Have Helped
Looking back, one of the biggest challenges of my PCS was finding the right place to live and accessing the various checklists and information available. An AHRN Relocation Concierge would have streamlined the entire process. Instead of spending hours searching for available housing and organizing the upcoming move, I could have collaborated with an expert who understood my needs and preferences.
Some other ways that an AHRN Concierge could have helped me include:
-Personalized Housing Assistance. Whether I wanted on-base housing, an apartment, or a rental home, they could have provided vetted listings tailored to my budget and commute preferences.
-Neighborhood Insights. The concierge could have provided valuable information about key amenities and partnerships in the area.
-Connecting with Landlords. Instead of struggling with rental applications and military clauses that often comes with finding a rental home in the community, the concierge could have connected me with landlords familiar with military moves, making the process smoother.
-Moving Support. From recommending dependable storage and moving companies to ensuring I had the necessary paperwork; the concierge could have helped reduce the stress of coordinating my move.
Building a New Life
Outside of work, settling in was another challenge. Finding housing that was safe, affordable, and close to base required hours of research. Since I was not married, I did not qualify for certain housing options, which made the search more difficult.
Making friends was another hurdle. I missed my old support system, and starting over socially felt exhausting. I forced myself to step out of my comfort zone joining base organizations, attending events, and introducing myself to new people. Slowly but surely, I started to build an added support network.
Lessons Learned
Looking back, my first PCS move taught me invaluable lessons:
- Stay Organized. Keeping track of paperwork, timelines, and housing options made the process smoother. Such as the AHRN PCS toolkit https://blog.ahrn.com/pcs-toolkit/ and Military OneSource.
- Use Military Resources. The Airman & Family Readiness Center, sponsor programs, and online PCS groups were lifesavers.
- Be Open to Change. It is easy to focus on what you are leaving behind, but embracing new opportunities makes the transition easier.
- Give Yourself Grace. Adjusting takes time, and it is okay to feel overwhelmed. With time, things start to fall into place.
- Take Advantage of PCS Support Services. Then we did not have the services that are available today, such as AHRN’s Relocation Concierge, Military One Source, and the ease of looking up best practices and financial concerns such as available in www.themilitarywallet.com I could have saved myself stress and uncertainty.
- Prepare for the future. AHRN’s Relocation Concierge can also provide you the education and support to start preparing a move from being a home renter to a homeowner via the VA Home Loan program.
Final Thoughts
A PCS is not just a change of station, it was a chance to build a new chapter in my Air Force journey. And while goodbyes are hard, I remind myself that the Air Force is a small world. The friendships I have made will last beyond this base, and the lessons I have learned will carry me forward.
If you are about to PCS, consider using AHRN and the services to include the newly formed Relocation Concierge to make your move smoother and less stressful. Having expert guidance can help you focus on what matters most settling in, building your career, and thriving in your new assignment.
The AHRN Relocation Concierge will contact you. Establish an account and start searching for homes and we will ensure your journey is organized and you’re not alone.