Dear Joe,

We just found out we’re most likely PCSing this summer. This isn’t a new challenge for us, but we’ve never been where we are going. All the research I’ve done on the area is contradictory and I’m having a hard time financially planning for our arrival. Are there any tools that can help with this?

Thanks,

Prepping for another move

Dear Prepping,

No matter how many times you PCS, there are always challenges. But, the MyArmyBenefits Basic Pay and Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) fact sheets can help with your preparations. You can link to the resources that provide your pay and BAH amounts based on your current and future zip codes or locations. You can also use the MAB Regular Military Compensation calculator to find out your annual basic pay, BAS, and BAH amounts to compare any differences due to location and see what is taxable based on your tax filing status.

Good luck with your next move,

Joe

Dear Joe,

I am retiring soon and wondering if my spouse and I can get our retirement IDs at the nearest base where we’re moving to, or do we have to get them at my current duty station before we move?

Thank you,

Retiring Soon

Dear Retiring,

You can get your new retired military ID card at the ID card office on any military installation, regardless of service affiliation, including National Guard and Reserve facilities. You will want to get your first retired military ID as close as possible to your date of retirement and this may drive your decision on the location. To find military installations close to where you are moving, look up your state in the MyArmyBenefits Resource Locator, where you will find a list of Army installations and links to information about installations of other services located in the state where you choose to get your ID.

Joe