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PCS Orders
Assignment Orders and Tour Types

Assignment Orders and Tour Types – Preparing for Your Move to Korea

When a Service Member receives notification of an assignment to the Republic of Korea, the Permanent Change of Station (PCS) orders will outline important details about the move. These orders include information such as the report date, tour length, authorized travel entitlements, and whether dependents are approved to accompany the Service Member. Understanding this information is essential for a successful transition to Korea for both the Service Member and their family.

PCS Orders and Pre-Move Preparation

Shortly after assignment notification, the Service Member will receive official PCS orders. These orders provide guidance on required actions and key logistical information to begin preparing for the move. Prior to departure, the Service Member will need to complete mandatory out-processing steps at their current installation, which may include attending a relocation briefing and coordinating travel and shipping arrangements.

PCS orders typically include:

  • Report date and assignment duration

  • Departure and arrival locations

  • Household goods (HHG) shipment allowances

  • Privately owned vehicle (POV) shipment (if authorized)

  • Family member travel authorization (if applicable)

Types of Overseas Tours

PCS orders will specify whether the Service Member will serve an accompanied or unaccompanied tour:

Accompanied Tour (With Dependents)
An accompanied tour allows eligible family members to relocate to Korea with the Service Member, typically for a 36-month assignment. Approval must be granted in advance to ensure that the receiving installation has adequate support and infrastructure for dependents. Once approved, dependents will be listed by name on the PCS orders.

Dependent travel may be authorized in one of the following forms:

  • Concurrent Travel – Dependents travel with or within 60 days of the Service Member

  • Deferred Travel – Dependents travel more than 60 days after the Service Member

Unaccompanied Tour (Without Dependents)
 If Command Sponsorship is not requested or approved—or if the Service Member chooses to relocate without family members—they will serve a 12-month unaccompanied tour. In this case, dependents are not listed on the PCS orders and are not authorized to move to Korea under government orders.