PCS, TDY, TAD & Military Orders Explained: A Simple Guide for Families

PCS, TDY, TAD & Military Orders Explained: A Simple Guide for Families

PCS, TDY, TAD & Training Orders Explained for Military Families

When your service member finishes boot camp or prepares for their first assignment, you’ll start hearing new terms:

PCS
TDY
TAD
Training Orders
Follow-on School
OPNAV Orders

If you’re new to military life, these can feel overwhelming.

This guide explains the major types of military orders across:

  • Army

  • Navy

  • Air Force

  • Marine Corps

  • Coast Guard

Written in plain language for families.

What Are Military Orders?

Military orders are official legal instructions directing a service member:

  • Where they are going

  • When they must report

  • How long they will be there

  • What type of duty or training they will perform

  • Whether the military pays for the move

  • Whether family members may accompany them

Orders are mandatory. Service members are required to follow them exactly.

The Four Most Common Types of Military Orders

All branches use the same core structure, though terminology may vary.

  1. PCS — Permanent Change of Station

  2. TDY — Temporary Duty (Army / Air Force)

  3. TAD — Temporary Additional Duty (Navy / Marines / Coast Guard)

  4. Training Orders — Initial and specialty schools

1. PCS — Permanent Change of Station

PCS means a long-term relocation to a new duty station.

This is the most common order type for Active Duty service members.

What PCS Orders Typically Include

  • Assignment to a new base or installation

  • New unit and command

  • Military-funded household goods move

  • Travel authorization

  • Family relocation approval (most cases)

  • Assignment length of approximately 2–4 years

PCS moves can occur:

  • After job training

  • Between duty stations

  • After overseas tours

  • After specialized assignments

PCS Examples by Branch

Army
Fort Cavazos to Fort Jackson

Navy
San Diego to Yokosuka, Japan

Air Force
Lackland to Ramstein, Germany

Marine Corps
Camp Lejeune to Twentynine Palms

Coast Guard
Cape May to Key West (Cutter assignment)

PCS orders are structured, scheduled, and supported by military relocation services.

2. TDY — Temporary Duty (Army and Air Force)

TDY stands for Temporary Duty.

TDY is a short-term assignment away from the home duty station.

Common Reasons for TDY

  • Leadership schools

  • Airborne or Air Assault training

  • Specialized certifications

  • Temporary support for another unit

  • Conferences or professional courses

Length of TDY

  • A few days

  • A few weeks

  • Occasionally several months (usually under 180 days)

Travel and Expenses

The military typically covers:

  • Flights

  • Lodging

  • Per diem (meals)

  • Ground transportation

What Families Should Know

  • No household move occurs

  • Family remains at the home duty station

  • Pay and benefits remain unchanged

TDY assignments are routine throughout a military career.

3. TAD — Temporary Additional Duty (Navy, Marine Corps, Coast Guard)

TAD is the sea-service equivalent of TDY.

The function is the same — only the terminology differs.

TAD Examples

  • Marine attending Marine Combat Training

  • Sailor attending a C-School

  • Coast Guardsman temporarily assigned to another sector

  • Short-term ship assignment

TAD is common in maritime branches due to ship rotations, training pipelines, and operational schedules.

4. Training Orders — Initial & Follow-On Schools

All service members follow a structured training pipeline.

Training orders include:

  • Boot Camp

  • Job training (AIT, A-School, Tech School, MOS School)

  • Follow-on specialty schools

  • Qualification courses

  • Leadership development schools

Training Pipeline Examples

Army
Basic Training → AIT → First Duty Station (PCS)

Navy
Boot Camp → A-School → C-School (TAD) → Ship PCS

Air Force
BMT → Tech School → PCS

Marine Corps
Boot Camp → MCT/SOI → MOS School → PCS

Coast Guard
Cape May → A-School → Cutter PCS

Families typically cannot relocate during initial training phases.

PCS usually occurs after the full training pipeline is complete.

What Military Orders Look Like (Family Overview)

Orders contain specific administrative details, including:

  • Report date

  • Gaining unit

  • Losing unit

  • Location

  • Duration

  • Travel authorization

  • Funding codes

  • Dependent eligibility

For PCS Orders

  • Household goods shipment authorized

  • Travel arrangements coordinated

  • Lodging support may be provided

  • Family relocation often included

For TDY/TAD Orders

  • Service member travels alone

  • Family stays at home station

  • Travel is temporary

What Orders Come After Boot Camp?

The typical sequence by branch:

Army
Boot Camp → AIT (Training Orders) → PCS

Navy
Boot Camp → A-School (Training Orders) → Possibly C-School → PCS

Air Force
BMT → Tech School → PCS

Marine Corps
Boot Camp → MCT/SOI → MOS School → PCS

Coast Guard
Boot Camp → A-School → PCS to Cutter or Sector

Training orders always come first. PCS follows completion of required schooling.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do service members choose their PCS location?
They may list preferences, but assignments are based on operational needs.

Do families move during training orders?
Usually no. Training assignments are temporary.

Are TDY or TAD assignments optional?
No. They are official required orders.

Do Guard or Reserve members receive PCS orders?
Generally no. They serve near home unless federally activated.

Can families visit during TDY or TAD?
Yes, but travel is usually at personal expense and depends on schedule.

Why Understanding Orders Matters

Understanding military orders helps families:

  • Plan travel

  • Prepare for moves

  • Understand timelines

  • Reduce uncertainty

  • Support their service member with confidence

Orders are part of every military career — from first assignment to retirement.

About Oak & Liberty

As the official Armed Forces family apparel brand, Oak and Liberty offers items that are designed for graduation milestones and everyday pride. Every purchase supports the MWR program and ships directly from our South Carolina facility (CAGE: 9DBS8).

We are honored to support military families through every PCS, TDY, training pipeline, and first duty station assignment.

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