Tis the season for PCSing – fa la la la la la la nope.

Ah, okay, so it is the season for PCSing, but it isn’t especially exciting or festive. PCSing often comes with a drive to the next location. When the time to move comes along, it can mean it’s time for a fun road trip. Don’t just take routes A to B, make it an adventure and make it a PCS Vacation Road Trip.

The first step is to ask off for leave in conjunction with the PCS. Each PCS move comes with a certain number of days off. Depending on the distance, anywhere from 7-9 days are allotted. Add in 10 days of leave and you have a good chunk of time off to see the country.

Take Your Time

The hard part about PCS is the stress. Sometimes you just want to get from point A to B to get it done. But taking time off in conjunction means you can take it slow. Drive only two hours and then stop at a park and play for several hours. Check out the list of museums offering free admission in the summer as part of the Blue Star Museums program. This program is a collaboration between the Blue Star Families program and the National Endowment for the Arts. Museums that participate offer free admission to the military members and their families from Armed Forces Day in May to Labor Day in September.  Check out National Parks along the way while utilizing the National Park Military Pass. The National Parks offers a free annual pass to military members and their dependents, and it can be renewed as long as valid ID can be shown at renewal. An epic road trip to be had! All those Pinterest boards and travel Instagram accounts you have followed may be inspiration, but you can live it.

Stop Along the Way

Perhaps you have taken the time off and planned your route but really only see three or four cities you want to explore, make the most of it. Drive those long hours and miles to get to the destination (safely) and then stay for a few days. Check out extended stay hotels with kitchens to make the most of the stay. Having longer stays means you can actually jump into the pool instead of just walking by it on the way in and out the door on your long legs. You can enjoy the local scenery and check out local cuisine.

Historic Routes

Across the country, the I-40 stretches and plays host in some areas to Route 66. Corduroy Road goes through the Carolinas on the east coast. Maybe you grew up on the Oregon Trail, well you can drive along with parts of the route from Illinois to Oregon. Want to take on the first road for cars? That’s the Lincoln Highway for you. There are so many amazing road trips to be had – just need the time to make it happen, and PCS time can be that opportunity.

Make It A Vacation

If you are like the many Americans, you have vacation days left to burn. According to Forbes, in 2019 there were 768 million unused vacation days. And in 2020, 55% of US workers did not use all of their paid time off. Do not be a statistic. Take the time. If the operation tempo at work led to the inability to take time off, this is your chance. Make the most of the PCS and take the vacation.

PCS time is a stressful time period- make the most of the known ability to take time off and make it a vacation to lessen the stress.

2022 is the year of all things. Movies are back in theaters. Travel is back and booming. And military orders are back to being delayed at normal proportions. One of the best things about 2022 for the lovers of aerial flyers is that the Air Shows are back!

The Thunderbirds and Blue Angels Official 2022 Air Show Schedule is here!

These military air shows have a lot to offer. Outdoor fun, gathering space, entertainment, and aerial skills. Military base air shows often come at the low cost of free, which makes them even better!

Thunderbirds 2022 Air Show Schedule

The Thunderbirds will perform in 31 locations shows this season from March to November. While some dates have passed, there are still plenty of opportunities to see the Thunderbirds throughout the rest of their season.

2022 Schedule:

March 26-27: Columbus AFB, Mississippi

April 2-3: Shaw Air Force Base, South Carolina

April 9-10: Lakeland, Florida April 23-24: Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph, Texas

April 30-May 1: Fort Lauderdale, Florida

May 14-15: Fairchild Air Force Base, Washington

May 21-22: Dover Air Force Base, Delaware

May 25: Colorado Springs, Colorado

May 29: Indianapolis Motor Speedway, Indiana

June 4-5: Fort Wayne, Indiana

June 11-12: Ocean City, Maryland

June 18-19: Grand Forks Air Force Base, North Dakota

June 25-26: Hill Air Force Base, Utah, North Dakota

July 2-3: Battle Creek, Michigan
July 16-17: Duluth, Minnesota

July 23-22: Great Falls, Montana

July 27: Cheyenne, WY

July 30- July 31: Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska

August 6-7: Abbotsford, Canada

August 20-21: McMinnville, Oregon

August 27-28: Avoca, Pennsylvania

September 3-4: New Century, Kansas

September 10-11: New Windsor, NY

September 17-18: Joint Base Andrews, Maryland

September 24-45: McConnell Air Force Base, Kansas

October 1-2: Huntington Beach, California

October 15-16: Edwards Air Force Base, California

October 22-23: Fort Worth, Texas

October 29-30:  Sanford, Florida

November 5-6: Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada

For more information on the USAF Thunderbirds, show locations and dates, visit their website at www.afthunderbirds.com. It is recommended to check their website and the location of the show for the most up to date information on scheduling.

Blue Angels 2022 Air Show Schedule

The Blue Angels have flown over the 75 years! 2021 was the first show season flying the Boeing F/A-18 Super Hornet. In 2022. the Blue Angels will fly in over 30 shows from March to November ending at their home base of Pensacola, Florida. While some dates have passed, there are still plenty of opportunities to see the Blue Angels throughout the rest of their season. If you are local to one of their planned performances, it will surely be worth the watch.

2022 Schedule:

March 12: NAF El Centro, CA

March 19-20: NAS JRB New Orleans, LA

March 26-27: MacDill AFB, Florida

April 2-3: NAS Kingsville, Texas

April 9-10: JB Charleston, South Carolina

April 23-24: Vidalia, Georgia

April 30: Vero Beach, Florida

May 1: Vero Beach, Florida

May 14-15: Ellsworth AFB, South Dakota

May 21-22: Dover Air Force Base, Delaware

May 25 and 27: US Naval Academy, Annapolis, MD

May 28-29: Jones Beach, NY

June 4-5: Eau Clairse, Wisconsin

June 11-12: Chesterfield, Missouri

June 18-19: Millington, Tenessee

July 2-3: Traverse City, Michigan

July 9: Pensacola Beach, Florida

July 16-17: Ypsilanti, Michigan

July 23-24: Milwaukee, Wisconsin

July 30-31: Dayton, Ohio

August 6-7: Seattle, WA

August 13-14: MCAS Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii

August 20-21: Chicago, Illinois

September 3-5: Cleveland, Ohio

September 10-11: Knoxville, Tenessee

September 17-18: NAS Oceana, VA

September 24-25: MCAS Miramar, CA

October 1-2: Minden, Nevada

October 8-9: San Francisco, CA

October 22-23: NAS Jacksonville, Florida

October 29-30: Houston, TX

November 5-6: Peachtree City, Georgia

November 11-12: NAS Pensacola, FL

For more information on the USNA Blue Angels, show locations, and dates, visit their website at www.blueangels.navy.mil. It is recommended to check their website and the location of the show for the most up-to-date information on scheduling.

Pack up those noise-cancelling headphones, pack a picnic and find an airshow near you!

It isn’t a surprise that PCS season is a stressful time for military families. While the stress increases and the ability to take personal time or breaks dwindles, it’s time to take the stress breaks how you can get them. One of those ways is through music. According to medical studies, music has the added benefit of lowering stress. So, while you are unpacking your boxes, and suitcases and rearranging your lives, blast these songs and sing aloud.

Bridgerton Soundtrack – Now don’t start watching the show because that will easily become a distraction, but the music is pleasant. The genre is classical meaning you won’t be singing out, but you will be able to hear children or the other adult in the house while unpacking if they found the coveted towels. Don’t forget to check out the Bridgerton covers – these are classic renditions of popular songs, and you might just be surprised by how much that song you didn’t enjoy previously sounds so much better.

Hawaiian Tunes – Who wouldn’t rather be on vacation in Hawaii on the beach with a sea breeze blowing through your hair. Choosing the sound of waves over the sound of tape coming off boxes may not be an option if you are unpacking from a PCS, but you sure as heck can pretend by listening to some island melodies.

Calypso – Well, if you can’t be on a tropical island, perhaps you can pretend you are on a cruise. All those boxes you are unpacking are souvenirs from your suitcase…okay, maybe not 100 times over, but this music is sure to boost your mood while unpacking. Feel free to dance along while you wrap and pack or label all the boxes.

Top Gun Soundtrack – The original, cannot comment on the new movie or if there will be one. The mix of ballads and power songs will boost morale, and, depending on your age, will bring up fun memories. Just remember not to play volleyball with the box of kitchenware – that’s breakable.

80s Rock – Even if you aren’t an 80s kid, chances are you have heard at least a few of these songs. They are great songs to belt out stress to. With classics like Journey’s Don’t Stop Believin’, Queen’s Another One Bites the Dust (hopefully that isn’t a comment on your kitchen glassware) and Guns N’ Roses Sweet Child O’ Mine, you can’t go wrong.

Power Ballads – When you get to the end of packing hours or just need the motivation to get started, it’s time for some power ballads. Hootie and the Blowfish’s Let Her Cry, Bryan Adams’ (Everything I Do) I Do It For You, and Meatloaf’s I Would Do Anything for Love may feel pretty real as you unpack your home for the first or fourteenth time because the military gave your family order. Feel free to grab a spoon or hairbrush and sing along.

Your Favorite Movie Soundtrack – Maybe Top Gun isn’t your thing. Maybe you prefer the music of the swashbuckling genre, wizarding type, or more of the animated type that will make you giggle through the boxes. Choose your favorite movie, and it is sure to make at least 30 minutes of unpacking go smoothly and boost your mood as you decide where those books will go.

Your Favorite TV Show Soundtrack – Now, most shows don’t necessarily have a soundtrack, but some do. And if you enjoy British television, then check out their soundtracks. Often, the melodious tunes are played by an orchestra, adding an element of elegance to their songs. Shows like Downton Abbey, The Crown, Mad Men, Poldark, and Doctor Who have excellent soundtracks.

Somewhere Over the Rainbow – The ultimate, it will get better son is an excellent song by Israel Kamakawiwo’ole. It is relaxing and happy. Kermit the Frog also makes an excellent version, and if you want to listen to renditions of this song all day, we won’t blame you.

Organizing, packing up, and labeling your belongings is a busy and stressful time, but that doesn’t mean you can’t add a little enjoyment to it with an amazing playlist.

What does Memorial Day mean to you? According to History.com, Memorial Day was originally Decoration Day, which sprung from the Civil War as a way to pay tribute to those who lost their lives during that diving war. Memorial Day became an official holiday in 1968 when Congress passed the Uniform Monday Holiday Act designating Memorial Day as the last Monday in May and creating a three-day federal weekend in honor of it. Memorial Day became official in 1971. What Memorial Day is today is altogether different with sales ads in the mail, in the stores, on your social media.

We honor Memorial Day in two ways – to honor and celebrate those lives sacrificed.

In Honor Of

As we have moved around the world during my husband’s military career, we haven’t had a consistent place we honor those who have fallen. When we lived near Washington D.C., we would take our family up to the memorials to reflect on the past –  World War I, World War II, Vietnam. We recently went to the exhibit about September 11, 2001 and its impact on the military at the Marine Corps Museum at Quantico, Virginia. You don’t have to live near D.C. to honor the fallen. There are memorials worldwide, literally, where families can visit and reflect and honor the fallen.

If you are looking for a burial site near you, check out the American Battle Monuments Commission website.  There are memorials around the World from, Belgium to the U.S. special cemeteries are occurring at the ABMC sites for Memorial Day, check out their scheduled ceremonies here.

Normandy France

The Normandy American Cemetery and Memorial in Colleville-sur-Mer is where around 9,388 service members are buried after the invasion of Normandy in World War II. Those living in Europe can visit the historic site to reflect on the history of the place and the lost lives to change the trajectory of World War II.

Washington DC

As the capital of the United States, Washington DC is host to many museums and memorials. World War I Memorial, World War II Memorial, Korean War Veterans Memorial and Vietnam Veterans Memorial welcome veterans and visitors alike around Memorial Day. Arlington National Cemetery also is open to visitors.

If you are not living near a cemetery where someone you know is there, you can ask the local cemetery if they are doing anything in honor of Memorial Day. We have lived in many places where the local cemetery puts out small flags in honor of those who served, and you can help with that. It’s celebrating someone who may not have family nearby or someone who has no more living relatives.

In Celebration Of

Honoring the fallen doesn’t just happen at the graveside. If your fallen friends are not near where you can visit-remember the poem, they are not there….

It’s okay to have a barbeque. When veterans talk about their fallen friends, they reflect on the positive things that person did in their life for them. They review their impact on the people around them. Those people likely enjoyed a BBQ or two, and they would want you to. Memorial Day can be a time to try new recipes and gather with loved ones. The hope is that you remember the fallen as you enjoy a barbeque with friends and family. Reflect on the sentiment of remembering the fallen.

The reality is that America would not be what it is today without the wars that shaped us – the Revolutionary War that founded us, the Civil War shaped us, the World Wars that brought us into a new century and Operation Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedoms – the war that many know personally. It is only fitting to gather with family and friends and celebrate what those battles brought us – freedom. Freedom is not free. And that is why we honor and celebrate Memorial Day.

Packing up your belongings as you prepare to move is a process. It can be emotional, physically demanding and not a simple process. If you are joining the DITY/PPM movement, you are getting to ready to pack up your home. If you are doing it this moving season, or looking at it next season, get ready and organize your pack out in one of these four ways.

Organize By Room

This one is the simplest way to organize your pack out and typically how traditional movers pack up homes- packing up by room.  That is, all the living room items get packed together and all the kitchen items get packed together. This makes it easy to know where to put things in your new home and to find things when you are searching for them on the other end.

The downside with this process is that you can’t typically pack early on. You have to pack as you finish up using rooms. So maybe this would work if you have an extra bedroom that isn’t being used, but typically a family is using the kitchen until the last moment.

Organize By Season

This packing organization takes some planning ahead, usually a year in advance. Packing by season is just that- getting all the winter gear together, all spring items together, etc. As the fall season ends, you go through your items – decorations, costumes, seasonally appropriate clothing, etc. You pack up the items to determine what makes the next move and store them in the appropriate bins or boxes.

All hiking gear for the spring gets organized and packed together. All the winter boots and snow gear get packed together.

This is especially fun if you get color-coded bins. Red and green for the holidays, black for Halloween/fall, pastel for spring. This makes items easily visible when glancing around the room.

This makes it easy to find seasonally appropriate items. If you are moving to Hawaii but still want to keep some winter gear, you can easily identify it and make sure to put it in storage because that snowsuit will not be useful there.

Organize by Item Type

Are you a collector of books? Or maybe you are a coffee mug person. Pack up like items together. All those cookbooks go in one box together. All the books get sorted into bins or boxes. If you are sorting your items, this is especially helpful as you can sort and find what you want to donate or keep as you do it.

This one may be tricky as you get to smaller groups of items, but this may also help you organize or purge items that you may not necessarily need.

Organize By Person

Want to make it easier to find the baby’s clothes or where you put your favorite book? Pack and organize items by person. You can go the extra mile in getting a certain color bin or label for each person, so you know who has each box or bin.

If there are older children or just adults in the home, you can even have each person pack their own belongings. This allows the person to go through their items to determine what needs to be packed and what can be donated.

If you have young children, packing this way allows you to go through items slowly and determine what you need to pack and move with. If your last baby no longer fits the 6-month-old clothing, maybe it is time to pick out sentimental items and donate or sell the rest.

The tricky part comes in common spaces like the kitchen or living room where there may be overlap between people. This may lead to another box or label type for those common areas.

Packing up your belongings can be made simpler with organization. How will you organize your move?

Getting overseas orders, or OCONUS can bring about emotions of a wide array – from elated and excited to dreading and sad. It is true, moving overseas comes with its own variety of stressors, on top of moving which is stressful in itself. Be prepared with this list to make sure you are ready to go.

1. Medical Clearance: This is key. Medical clearance is required for every family member who would be moving to an overseas location. Some military bases OCONUS have small clinics or hospitals that do not have every medical specialty. The screening ensures that those individuals who need specialized care or medication that requires that they stay CONUS. The screening also identifies if there are any outstanding vaccinations that family members need prior to travel. Once the medical screening is complete state-side, it is sent to the medical clearance department at the gaining command OCONUS. Once area clearance is received, the orders can be completed with every family member who is moving overseas.
2. Pet Clearance: If you have pets, this can also take several months. Depending on which country you are going to, your pet may need vaccinations, namely Rabies, and rabies titers. If there is even a whisper of potentially overseas orders, highly recommend calling the base vet to find out what paperwork, blood work, vaccinations, and clearance your pet will need. Check out what is required for taking your pet overseas on the USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service.
3. Passports: When moving overseas, federal passports are provided for all family members on orders. These passports are “no fee,” meaning you do not pay for it. It also means that the passport can only be used when traveling on military orders. You cannot use the federal passport to travel across Europe or Asia when your family is living overseas-it is not a tourist passport. If the location you are moving to requires a visa, the Travel or Transportation Office will provide you with the required paperwork.
4. Flights: Do not expect to get the Patriot Express – the military airline that transports families overseas. The peak moving periods of the summer and December fill up quickly. There are limited pet spots for sending pets back and forth overseas as well.
5. Scheduling the Move: Here are a few terms you need to know – express shipment (aka unaccompanied baggage), household goods shipment (aka HHG), and storage. Depending on where you are moving to, you likely get at least two shipments – express and household goods. The express shipment or unaccompanied baggage is just that – baggage that goes ahead of when you leave with the intent of arriving soon after you arrive. The express shipment is limited on weight and is usually restricted to items like your kitchen items, cribs, cleaning items, etc. This is not the shipment for sending your tv, workout equipment, or a large bed. Each service branch has different regulations, so ask the office that schedules your move. The HHG shipment is for the rest of your home goods. The HHG shipment usually comes on the “slow boat,” meaning a freight boat. This shipment typically arrives several months after you arrive OCONUS, so plan accordingly. Don’t pack the uniform items you will need the month you arrive. Each service branch may have a weight limit that differs from moving within the continental United States, so make sure to ask.
6. Connect with your sponsor: Typically moving overseas means that there is a service member assigned as a sponsor. The sponsor can make hotel reservations and set up a mailbox for the incoming family. They do not pay for the hotel room, they may help with setting things up because of the time difference. They are often the people who pick up the military family from the airport since the incoming family does not likely have an international driver’s license. Ask this person any logistical questions you can.
7. Shipping a POV: Some duty stations allow you to ship privately owned vehicles (POV), and the transportation office should be able to provide this guidance. If they do not allow POVs to be shipped, you will need to buy local cars upon arrival.
8. Sell or Store a POV: If you are not bringing your vehicle overseas, the choice is to sell your current vehicle or store it. If you store it through the government, the car should be started periodically. You could also store it with family or allow a friend to borrow it – but make sure you are clear with expectations for car use and maintenance. If you choose to sell your vehicle, make sure to get offers from a dealership and places that buy used cars to resell.  

Tackling the logistical side of moving overseas will help you and your family embrace and enjoy the change. It does take a bit of planning to help an overseas move go smoothly, and knowing what you need as soon as you can will help you get there!

The Army Combat Fitness Test (ACFT) has replaced the Army Physical Fitness Test (APFT) as of April 1, 2022. The testing of the new test was completed this year and is now the accepted fitness test for the Army. The idea behind this change is to improve individual and unit readiness, enhance stamina and change the fitness culture within the U.S. Army. In addition, the combat fitness test has been modified in a way to reduce preventable injuries which in turn will help with soldier attrition.

The ACFT was made of six events: 3 repetition maximum deadlift (MDL), standing power throw (SPT), hand release push-up – arm extension (HRP), spring-drag-carry (SDC), leg tuck (LTK), and 2-mile run (2MR).

The MDL was designed to work on and develop muscular strength, balance, and flexibility.  The equipment used is a 60-pound hex bar and plates.  A minimum of 140 pounds is required for a score of 60 and a maximum of 340 pounds is listed for a score of 100. This exercise was chosen to work on the skills of lifting and moving heavy loads from the ground and extracting a casualty if needed.

The SPT event is completed by throwing a 10-pound medicine ball backward and overhead for a distance.  The minimum requirement is 4.5 meters is required for a score of 60 and the max is 12.5 meters for a score of 100. The exercise is working on explosive power, balance, and flexibility

The HRP is to complete as many push-ups as possible in a two-minute period to work on muscular endurance. The muscles utilized with HRP are used to move obstacles, push away opponents when in hand-to-hand combat, execute evasion maneuvers, and push disabled vehicles. The minimum is 10 for a score of 60 and the maximum is 60 for a score of 100 points.

The SDC is a test of strength, endurance, and anaerobic capacity by completing 5 x 50-meter shuttles for a time period. A 90-pound sled or 2 40-pound kettlebells are used. The SDC uses and builds muscles needed to extract a casualty from a vehicle, getting to fighting positions and reacting as needed. A minimum score of 60 is achieved if the exercises are completed in 3:00 minutes. The maximum score of 100 points is achieved if the exercises are completed in 1:33 minutes.

The LTK core exercise is to complete as many left tucks as possible to build strength and endurance allowing for climbing walls and obstacles and rope climbing. The minimum is 1 rep or a 2:09 plank hold for a score of 60. A maximum of 20 reps or 4:20 plank hold for a score of 100 points.

The 2MR is completed on a generally flat outdoor course to test and build aerobic endurance. Running is necessary for marching, running or any movement required as part of the training or tasks at hand. The minimum is 21:00 minutes will gain a score of 60 points and the maximum is 13:30 minutes for a score of 100 points.

Details on specific lifting techniques and which muscle groups are used with each exercise are located on the Army ACFT website.

It’s the most chaotic time of the year….(sang to the tune of “It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year”).

PCS season is here. When the orders start rolling in, it is time to start planning out the move. Packing up your home can be daunting. You may want to let the professionals do it, but sometimes the government procured movers aren’t actually moving professionals but college students on summer break and learning how to pack themselves. Whether you are planning to move with a PPM (personally procured moved, formerly DITY) or a government procured move, get organized with these packing tips.

1. Prepare, prepare, prepare. We have heard the old adage of location, location, location for real estate, but preparation for a move is key. Getting everything organized, thinned out and ready to go is key for establishing a smooth process and getting the most out of your PCS.
2. Cull. Part of preparation is going through and culling. Not just Marie Kondo style, wholesale – clothes your kids have grown out of, outdoor toys that you don’t know if they will fit in the new yard, snow gear if you are moving to Hawaii, and books that no one has read in the last three years can all go. Every little bit helps, if you cull “extra” items, you won’t have to pack them. Many places accept donations both on and off-post – consider dropping them off at the on-base thrift stores for other families to enjoy or
3. Shred. This goes along with cull, but shredding paperwork or old bills that you do not need to move means you are saving space and thinning out unnecessary items.  If you don’t have the time to do it, check for local shred events. Local shred events may charge a fee for a certain number of bags, but there may be a bag or two that are free. And if it saves you time, it may be worth the money.
4. Organize. Getting bins or bags for kids’ clothes and labeling them by size means they can be easily tossed into boxes and unpacked just as easily. Pack up seasonal items and label them as such. Bin up shoes for the different seasons. This makes unpacking that much simpler.
5. Make your own parts box. Whether you are moving or having the government procured movers pack you, make and designate your own parts box. Make sure it is a durable box that won’t accidentally go missing or have items fall out of it.
6. Pack a go-bag. Don’t forget to pack a bag for each person to have items after the house is packed. To avoid running out to the store to get a toothbrush or toothpaste for a member of your family, pull out items that you will need during the transition period between homes or while on travel.
7. Pack an “open this” box. Pack a box that is filled to the brim with essentials that you need the first week – toilet paper, shower curtain, kitchen items, towels, sheets – all items that allow you to move into the empty home and make it work while waiting for your household items. If you are moving to OCONUS, this can be a suitcase. If you are moving cross country this can be a bin you bring with you.
8. Reserve a “do not pack” area. Make this room a bathroom or small room so you can easily shut a door. This is a great visualization for everyone who is packing or preparing.
9. Set aside pro gear. Whether you are packing these items yourself or having the packers do it, make sure that pro gear is labeled and set aside. Pro gear are items that do not count toward your household goods and are items that you typically have for your job – equipment, field gear, or books for the service member and the spouse. There is a 2,000-pound limit for the service member and 500 pounds for the spouse.
10. Separate important papers. Birth certificates, marriage certificates, passports – all items that are not easily replaced are items you need to carry with you on a move and store in a secure place during the move process. This also includes medical records or sentimental items. Have one suitcase or bag for these items so you are always aware of where they are.
11. Make an inventory video. This may sound silly but walk around your house recording the items you own, including video of your appliances working with the current date. Including any model numbers in the video. This helps with replacement if necessary and is just good to have on hand.
12. Save, save, save. Moving is not cheap. While the military may pay for your move, it is still an expensive season replacing necessary items and general preparation. Saving as soon as you are able can help you be more prepared.

PCSing doesn’t seem to get easier with each move. You can get more prepared with more practice, or use this list to be expertly prepared for this PCS season. May the PCS gnome be kind to you and your family this season.

“Hey, babe…”

That phrase is known by military families everywhere. The “hey” phrase means that either orders have come – either to move or deploy. Deployments come with a variety of emotions. Like the stages of grief, there are stages of deployment. These emotions are normal and natural states of deployments for every family member.

Anger

Deployments don’t come at “good times.” There are birthdays, anniversaries, births, planned vacations, illnesses in family members. Units include thousands of individuals; it is not possible for every person to be accounted for in planning a deployment. Deployments happen to assist other countries in need, protect U.S. assets, and complete humanitarian missions – there are no planned or predictable timelines for them. It is normal to feel angry that deployment is occurring. Angry that the military member will miss events, angry that you may have to single parent.  As a military member, you can also feel angry about leaving.

Kids can get angry too. And they may not even know why they are feeling angry or be able to express it by saying “I am angry.” They may just act out, scream, or be angry at you for what feels like little things (the wrong color cup was used). Tell them how you feel and tell them you understand why they are angry and it is okay to talk about it.

Address the anger, determine if there is anything you can do to change the things you are angry about. If you are angry about missing a vacation, try to move that vacation to before deployment or plan a big vacation when you get back.

Sadness

Like anger, you may feel sad about the things that are missed during deployment and missing the service member during deployment. Sadness is a powerful emotion – it can leech into everyday activities. It can feel like even the simplest thing, washing dishes, pulling laundry is upsetting.

Children can cry over small things or cry when seeing pictures of military members. Like an adult, they feel the same emotions but aren’t always able to express them through words. When you are feeling the emotions of sadness, you can tell your child you are feeling that way too and want to talk about it. This may give them the opportunity to share how they feel as well. Teens may express sadness through both sadness and anger. Just like younger children, sharing how you feel may allow them to open up to talk about their emotions.

Overwhelmed

You just want the military member back to commiserate with, talk to or even help with the never-ending daily tasks. That feeling of being overwhelmed with everyday life is part of the cycle of emotions. You may want a break. For the adult family member left behind, consider hiring a babysitter to get alone time, or a cleaner once or twice a month for a mental health break from daily chores. These may seem like small things, but just having a little help or even adult time can reset the brain when feeling overwhelmed.

Children may not be able to express feeling overwhelmed. Younger and older children alike may act out when overwhelmed. Because they are acting out doesn’t necessarily mean they feel overwhelmed, but asking open-ended questions may help you get to the root cause.

Joy

When you are nearing the home stretch, the end of the deployment – the feeling of joy and excitement appear. It is a time to get excited about the military member’s impending return. The excitement of surviving and maybe thriving during deployment, the sense if relief, often accompanies the joy. It is a time to embrace the excitement – maybe make plans for post-deployment leave or plan for a few days to just be together. Don’t make too many plans without the military member’s involvement, coming home is exciting for them but it usually takes hours or days for them to travel home, and they will likely be exhausted. The military member may also not want to be around crowds for a while after a return, so going on vacation may be overwhelming post-deployment.

Apprehension

It is normal to be nervous or apprehensive about the returning military member’s return. It will take time for the family member to get back in the swing of things. New routines have likely been established since daily life like bills, laundry and activities had to be completed solo for the last several months. Family members may have changed as well. Children likely have grown and changed, and the adults may have changed interests as well. Make sure to discuss the feelings of joy and apprehension with the family members.

The key to these emotions is addressing what you can change and acknowledging what you cannot. There may be things you can’t change but addressing them can help the family member move forward. Children of all ages may not be able to express with words how they are feeling, but if you share with them how you are feeling they may also open up about how they are feeling.