PCS to Hurlburt Field Air Force Base | Florida
PCS moves are always fun and exciting, especially when the destination is a new location with a lot to offer. A PCS moves an entire family unit and its possessions from one duty station to another. It's a two-step process that involves traveling from one base or installation to another and then moving into a new home at the new duty station.
However, the military community has its own rules regarding living in the area. For instance, you can't drive into town unless you have a specific reason. You also need to get permission from your commander before moving into a new house or apartment.
To help your PCS move successfully, this article will explain how to move with your family to Hurlburt Field Air Force Base, Florida.
About Hurlburt Base
Many military families in Florida are stationed at the Hurlburt Field Air Force Base, located in Okaloosa County. It is a hub for US military personnel and their families to live and work.
The Air Force has several different bases around the world. Some base locations have been around for a long time, and others have only been around for a short time.
Hurlburt Field is located on the western side of Pensacola Bay near Navarre Beach in Gulf County. It was initially named the "24th Pursuit Group" after being established in 1941 as part of the United States Army Air Corps (USAAC).
The 24th Pursuit Group consisted of several squadrons that operated from various bases across the country, including Selfridge Field in Michigan, where they were based during World War II.
After World War II ended in 1945, when Germany surrendered to Allied forces on May 7th, 1945, the 24th Pursuit Group moved its headquarters to Hurlburt Field, where they continued operations until they were decommissioned as part of the Air Force Reserve Command's Directorate of Operations on June 30th, 1947 at which point its PCS (permanent change of station) is moving military personnel and their families to new duty stations.
What is a PCS Military Move?
PCS, or "permanent change of station," is the term used for a military move. It is a permanent change of station. This transfer allows service members to move from one location to another, usually within the same country. They can be arranged at the request of the service member or the commander of their unit.
During a PCS to Hurlburt Field Air Force Base move, you'll stay at your new base for anywhere from two to six months before moving back to your permanent duty station. A PCS occurs typically six months after being assigned to a specific duty station, with some exceptions.
There are two types of military PCS:
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Temporary Duty (TDY) - This temporary assignment allows you to fly or serve overseas while your permanent duty assignment is still underway. You can't take an extended leave or vacation while you're TDY.
- Permanent Change of Station (PCS) - When you PCS, you move from one permanent duty station to another.
How does it work?
Military PCS is a process that allows military members to move from one location to another permanently. The process begins when an officer determines that an individual is eligible for PCS orders and then turns them over to the appropriate command.
A PCS can be temporary or permanent, depending on your circumstances. Most military personnel are required to take a temporary PCS before they can permanently move to their permanent duty station. Still, if you have already been in your current assignment for more than six months and want to change locations, you may be eligible for a permanent PCS to Hurlburt Field Airforce Base move.
The PCS process comprises two parts - first, you'll do a pre-move phase at your temporary duty station; and second, you'll complete a post-move phase at your permanent duty station.
Pre-Move Phase
The pre-move phase is what happens before you officially start your PCS. When you get acquainted with the base and learn more about it, everything will be set up like clockwork when your move date arrives.
You may have some work or school assignments during this time and meet with other people who are moving into or out of the base too.
Post-Move Phase
In most cases, there are no duties assigned during this phase since all your paperwork has been processed by military personnel or civilian staff members and sent to the new base before you arrive there.
However, if there's anything else that needs to be done, like submitting paperwork related to family separation or other issues (such as moving), the process is similar to civilian PCSs — you must notify your current employer of your intent to relocate and provide them with a copy of your orders.
You'll also need to apply for relocation benefits, allowing you to continue paying into your retirement account while on leave.
Factors to consider during a PCS to Hurlburt Field Air Force Base Move
When you're preparing for a military PCS, there are some things you'll need to do before your move. While you can't move until your orders arrive, here are some things you can do to prepare:
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Create a packing list - This will help you get ready for furniture and other household items. Set aside time to go through the list and cross off items that don't need to be moved.
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Review your financial records - Pay down debt or open new credit cards in your name before packing up and moving out of state. Check with the financial institution where your credit cards are registered to see if they offer PCS options. Some banks even allow military members to open new accounts while they're away from home on military orders, so you may not need to transfer accounts at all — keep them active while you're gone.
- Set up insurance coverage in advance of leaving home - If you take out a home or property insurance policy before going on leave, it'll cover damages caused by burglars or other unexpected events while you're away from your home base.
Reasons for a PCS Move
There are many reasons for a military PCS move. The reasons for a military PCS move can vary, depending on the circumstances. Some of the most common reasons include the following:
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The first and most important reason is that you want to change your location to a new city, state, or even country. You may have been stationed in one place for a long time and are looking for different scenery and new challenges.
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The military wants to move you to another state or country for a new assignment. This may be due to a change in command or because you are being reassigned to a new position.
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You are being relocated because of a family crisis (i.e., divorce).
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Your commanding officer is relocating you due to increased workload, budget cuts, mission changes, or other issues that require you to relocate from one location to another.
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Another reason is that you are moving with the military family or unit to another base or installation. This can often occur if your service member's job requires them to move frequently or there has been a large influx of training events into the area they call home.
- Finally, military PCS moves can be as simple as moving from one permanent duty station (PDQ) to another PDQ within the same state or country. This type of move is called an intra-PDQ move. It is usually done by career field personnel who require specialized skills, such as medical technicians, nurses, and dental assistants who need to travel worldwide to work at hospitals or clinics overseas.
Pros & Cons of a PCS Move
When you PCS, you move to a new location and return to your home base. You'll be on active duty and in uniform, so it's not something to do lightly.
In the military, there are certain things that you can't do. You can't drive a car. You can't live on your own. And if you want to leave the country, you must get permission from your command.
PCS (permanent change of station) is so significant to military families. It gives them the freedom and flexibility to move where they want and when they want.
Pros
As aforementioned, Military PCS is moving from one military base to another. It can be a permanent move or temporary, but there are many benefits associated with it.
Many benefits come with having military PCS. One of the most significant benefits is that you can be closer to home and family while still being able to serve your country. You will also have access to more training opportunities than if you were stationed at your original base.
Additionally, most bases have free housing, which can make it affordable for families who have multiple children or require special medical care or assistance.
Cons
One of the disadvantages of military PCS is that it may not allow you to take advantage of all the benefits available on your new base.
You may be required to relocate several hours from where you live now, which could decrease the quality of life for your family members and friends nearby.
Why is Florida a suitable spot?
Florida is one of the best places to live in the United States. Most people who have been to the state agree that it is a beautiful place with lots of things to do and see.
However, there are also many reasons you should consider moving to Florida if you are considering moving there in the future.
Here are several reasons why you should consider living in Florida:
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Low Taxes - Florida is known for its low taxes. While other states have higher taxes, they still have more than we see in Florida. Many people can afford to live in this state because they do not have to pay as much on their yearly taxes. If you plan on moving soon or are already living here, this could benefit your budget greatly!
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Great Weather - Florida weather can be excellent any time of year! While we don't always get rain or snow here, we always get warm sunny days with no clouds hanging over us at all times of the day! It's hard not to love this type of weather during certain seasons and times throughout the year!
- Marvelous Beaches and Lakes - Florida has some fantastic beaches and lakes right near where most people live.
Top 5 Best Places to live in Florida
The Florida peninsula is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the world, and there's no better place to enjoy them than Miami. The city has a lot going for it, from great weather to delicious food, but it's also home to many celebrities who can make even the most mundane activities into fun adventures.
The Sunshine State is a paradise for many reasons. Ideally, the best place to live in Florida is where you choose to set up your family home and how much you can afford.
To determine the best places to live in Florida, we looked at factors such as crime rates, employment rates, house prices, and population growth. We also considered the cost of living in each area, so you can see which areas are more affordable than others.
Here are five of the best places to live in Florida:
Miami Beach
According to a recent study, Miami is the best place to live in Florida, along with Orlando and Tampa. The study was conducted by WalletHub, which compared the best cities for millennials based on 33 key indicators. The rankings considered employment rate, housing affordability, and more.
Miami is one of the most popular cities in America. The city has been called 'the new Las Vegas' because it offers its residents all kinds of entertainment and fun activities. It has an international airport, many restaurants, clubs, and bars for nightlife and vibrant culture.
With good reason, Miami Beach is one of the most popular cities on the peninsula. With miles of sandy beaches, clear water, and world-class restaurants and nightlife, this city is packed with activities for everyone. It's also home to many celebrities who want to live here because of the easy access to entertainment and nightlife.
Palm Beach
Palm Beach is another popular destination on Florida's east coast, especially during spring break when visitors flock here from all over America.
This resort town offers some fantastic beaches and plenty of luxury hotels that cater to vacationers looking for relaxation after days spent at the beach or riding wild watersports like parasailing or jet skiing.
Miami-Dade County
Miami-Dade County is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the world, including Haulover Beach, located on a barrier island of Miami Beach.
There's plenty of nightlife and culture here, too — including art galleries and theaters — so you never have to miss out on an opportunity to explore something new! The area is also known as one of the most diverse cities in America, with more than 500 languages spoken.
Tampa Bay Area
Tampa is another excellent place to live in Florida that offers affordable housing prices, beautiful beaches, and a fantastic climate. The city has several universities and colleges which offer top-quality education facilities at affordable prices.
It is home to some great attractions, such as Busch Gardens Theme Park and Lowry Park Zoo, as well as popular tourist destinations like Kennedy Space Center and Disney World. The area also has a terrific downtown area where you can find restaurants, shops, and entertainment options, all within walking distance of each other!
Orlando
Orlando is one of the best places to live in Florida because it has entertainment facilities like theme parks, golf courses, shopping malls, etc. It also has some great restaurants that cater to tourists and locals alike!
Summary
A PCS move is among the most exciting yet challenging experiences for not one but all military personnel involved. From the arrangements, and packing, to the actual move. Ideally, there are many different places to live in Florida, and it's easy to get overwhelmed by the choices—if you don't have the correct information.
Nonetheless, it is an adventure worth savoring, especially if you are moving to Florida. If you're new to Florida or just looking for a change of pace after a PCS to Hurlburt Field Air Force Base, your move will flow smoother with this guide.
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About Author - Phil Ganz
Phil Ganz has over 20+ years of experience in the residential financing space. With over a billion dollars of funded loans, Phil helps homebuyers configure the perfect mortgage plan. Whether it's your first home, a complex multiple-property purchase, or anything in between, Phil has the experience to help you achieve your goals.