When your service member finishes boot camp or prepares for their first assignment, you’ll hear a lot of new terms: PCS, TDY, TAD, OPNAV orders, follow-on training, A-School/Tech School orders, and more.
These terms can feel overwhelming if you’re new to military life — but once you understand how orders work, everything becomes far clearer.
This guide explains the major types of military orders across all branches: Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard.
It’s written for families, in plain language, without jargon.
What Are Military Orders?
Orders are the official instructions that tell service members:
- where they are going
- when they must report
- how long they will be there
- what type of training or duty they will perform
- whether the military will pay for the move
- whether their family can accompany them
All orders are considered legal instructions, and the service member is required to follow them exactly.
The Four Most Common Types of Orders
Every branch uses the same underlying concepts, though names vary.
1. PCS — Permanent Change of Station
“Permanent” move (usually 2–4 years)
2. TDY — Temporary Duty (Air Force/Army)
Short assignment or training, usually under 6 months
3. TAD — Temporary Additional Duty (Navy/Marines/Coast Guard)
Same as TDY, just a different name
4. Training Orders
Boot camp → AIT / A-School / Tech School → follow-on schools
Let’s break these down simply.
1. PCS — Permanent Change of Station
A PCS is a long-term move to a new duty station.
This is the most common type of order for Active Duty.
PCS Orders Usually Mean:
new base or installation
- new unit
- new command
- moving household goods (military pays)
- family can usually move with them
- assignment lasts 2–4 years
PCS moves can happen:
- after boot camp
- after job training
- between duty stations
- after overseas assignments
PCS Examples by Branch
- Army: Fort Cavazos → Fort Jackson
- Navy: San Diego → Japan (Yokosuka)
- Air Force: Lackland → Ramstein (Germany)
- Marines: Camp Lejeune → 29 Palms
- Coast Guard: Cape May → Key West (Cutter assignment)
PCS moves are planned, scheduled, and heavily supported by the military.
2. TDY — Temporary Duty (Army/Air Force)
TDY = short-term assignment away from the home duty station.
Typical reasons:
- schools (leadership, airborne, air assault, etc.)
- specialized training
- temporary support for another unit
- short-term missions
- conferences or courses
TDY Can Be:
- a few days
- a few weeks
- a few months (rarely over 180 days)
Travel & Expenses
The military usually covers:
- plane tickets
- lodging
- meals (per diem)
- transportation
What Families Should Know
- TDY does not require moving
- Families usually stay home
- Pay and benefits stay the same
TDY is incredibly common throughout a service member’s career.
3. TAD — Temporary Additional Duty (Navy, Marines, Coast Guard)
TAD is the Navy/Marine/Coast Guard version of TDY.
Everything about TDY and TAD is essentially the same — just different terminology.
TAD Examples:
- Marine going to Marine Combat Training (MCT)
- Sailor going to a specialized course
- Coast Guardsman supporting a different sector
- Short-term ship or unit assignment
Why TAD Exists
In sea services, missions run on:
- manpower gaps
- ship schedules
- training availability
- port rotations
So TAD is a natural part of their structure.
4. Training Orders — Boot Camp, Job School & Follow-On Assignments
Every new service member goes through a training pipeline.
Training orders cover:
- Boot Camp
- Job school (AIT, A-School, Tech School, MOS School)
- Follow-on schools
- Leadership courses
- Qualification courses
Examples:
- Army: Basic → AIT → Airborne (TDY) → First duty station (PCS)
- Navy: Boot Camp → A-School → C-School (TAD) → Ship PCS
- Air Force: BMT → Tech School → PCS
- Marines: Boot Camp → MCT/SOI → MOS School → PCS
- Coast Guard: Cape May → A-School → Cutter PCS
Training orders rarely allow families to move until the PCS phase.
How Orders Actually Look (Family-Friendly Summary)
When your service member gets orders, they will see details like:
- Report date (when they must arrive)
- Gaining unit (who they belong to)
- Losing unit (who they are leaving)
- Location
- Duration
- Travel instructions
- Funding authorization
- Dependent information (if family is included)
For PCS orders:
- movers will pick up household goods
- travel will be scheduled
- lodging may be provided
- families move together (most cases)
For TDY/TAD:
- service member travels alone
- families usually stay at home
Which Type of Order Happens After Boot Camp?
After graduation, most service members receive:
Army:
- Boot Camp → AIT (Training Orders)
- Then PCS to first duty station
Navy:
- Boot Camp → A-School (Training Orders)
- Sometimes C-School (TAD)
- Then PCS to ship or shore command
Air Force:
- BMT → Tech School (Training Orders)
- Then PCS
Marines:
- Boot Camp → MCT/SOI → MOS School (Training Orders)
- Then PCS
Coast Guard:
- Boot Camp → A-School → PCS to Cutter or Station
Training orders are always the first phase of military life.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do service members get to choose PCS locations?
Sometimes they can list preferences, but assignments depend on needs of the branch.
Do families move during training orders?
Usually no — training locations are temporary.
Are TDY/TAD assignments optional?
No — they are required orders.
Do Guard/Reserve get PCS orders?
Not typically. They serve near home unless activated.
Can families visit during TDY/TAD?
Yes, but travel is usually out-of-pocket and based on the service member’s schedule.
Final Thoughts for Families
Understanding military orders helps you:
- plan travel
- know when moves happen
- support your service member
- understand timelines
- reduce stress and uncertainty
Every service member — Active Duty, Reserve, or National Guard — will receive orders throughout their career. This guide gives you the foundation to understand them clearly.