PCS Season 2026: What Military Families Need to Know—and the Best Tips We've Learned Along the Way

PCS season is here—and with it comes moving checklists, travel plans, housing searches, reimbursement questions, and more than a little chaos.

In this episode, Teal is joined by fellow Navy spouse and Naval Services FamilyLine Board Member Jessica Schecter for a conversation about the latest PCS updates military families need to know for 2026. Together, they break down new resources, travel reimbursement changes, childcare support programs, and practical tips gathered from years of navigating military moves themselves.

Whether this is your first PCS or your fifteenth, this episode offers helpful information, real-world advice, and a reminder that you're not navigating the process alone.

Key Topics & Highlights

The New PCS Website

The Department of Defense recently launched PPA.mil, a new centralized hub designed to help military families navigate the PCS process. Teal and Jessica discuss what families can find on the site, what it does—and doesn't—replace, and why having a single source for PCS information could help reduce confusion during moving season.

Important PCS Policy UpdatesSeveral policy changes accompanied the launch of the new PCS resource platform, including expanded claims filing timelines, new reimbursement eligibility for spouses and dependents during disrupted moves, and enhanced support during peak moving season.

PCS Travel Changes for 2026Mileage reimbursement rates, Temporary Lodging Expense (TLE), and per diem rules all look a little different this year. Teal and Jessica walk through the updates, including the expansion of TLE from 14 to 21 days for many CONUS moves and common budgeting mistakes families should avoid.

Childcare Transportation Reimbursement Pilot ProgramOne of the most spouse-friendly PCS updates in recent years could help families offset the cost of flying in a caregiver during a move. Learn who qualifies, what expenses may be reimbursed, and how this program acknowledges the very real childcare challenges many military families face during a PCS.

PCS Tips from Military FamiliesFrom protecting important documents to surviving temporary lodging and keeping track of household goods, Teal and Jessica share practical advice, lessons learned, and a few PCS confessions along the way.

PCS Lightning RoundWhat's the one thing you never let the movers pack? What's the most elite PCS survival skill? Teal and Jessica answer these questions and more in a fun, PCS-themed lightning round.

Resources & Links

• PPA.mil PCS Resource Website

• Military OneSource PCS Resources

• MilitaryChildCare.com

  
  

• Naval Services FamilyLine Website

• NS FamilyLine Facebook

• NS FamilyLine Instagram

If this episode helped you prepare for your next move, share it with a fellow military spouse, service member, or family getting ready for PCS season.

From our Navy family to yours — safe travels and smooth moves ahead.

S8 E3: Data, Advocacy & Real Support: Inside MFAN with CEO Shannon Razsadin

Who is truly speaking up for military families — and making sure their experiences lead to real change?

In this episode, Teal sits down with Navy spouse and CEO Shannon Razsadin to explore the impactful work of the Military Family Advisory Network (MFAN). From powerful data collection to direct, boots-on-the-ground support, MFAN is helping shape policies and resources that directly affect military families.

Together, they discuss how storytelling, research, and advocacy intersect — and why every military spouse’s voice plays a critical role in improving quality of life across the force.

Key Topics & Highlights

Turning Data Into Change

MFAN’s research, including the Military Family 360 Survey, captures the real experiences of military families and translates them into insights that inform policymakers and leaders.

Food Insecurity in Military Families

A critical issue affecting many in the community, MFAN’s findings have brought national attention to the challenges some families face — and the urgent need for solutions.

Emergency Grocery Support

During times of crisis, MFAN stepped in with direct assistance, providing tangible support to families in need when it mattered most.

Advocacy Made Accessible

Advocacy doesn’t require a policy background. Shannon shares how everyday spouses can speak up, share their experiences, and contribute to meaningful change.

Resources & Links

• MFAN Website

• MFAN Instagram

• MFAN Facebook

• NS FamilyLine Website

• NS FamilyLine Facebook

• NS FamilyLine Instagram

If this episode resonated with you, share it with a fellow military spouse or friend. The more voices we amplify, the stronger our community becomes.

From our Navy family to yours — stay strong, stay connected, and stay mission ready.

25 Years of COMPASS: Navigating Navy Life with Confidence with NS FamilyLine COMPASS Director Susan FoxIf you’ve ever wondered who you’re supposed to call, ask, or trust when Navy life feels overwhelming — this episode is for you.

In this episode of Our Navy Life, host Teal Yost sits down with Susan Fox, Director of the COMPASS program at Naval Services FamilyLine, to celebrate the 25th anniversary of COMPASS — a spouse-to-spouse program that has helped Navy families navigate military life with confidence, clarity, and connection.

Susan shares her own journey as a Navy spouse and volunteer mentor, beginning with her first COMPASS class in Guam and continuing through years of service supporting spouses worldwide. Together, Teal and Susan explore how COMPASS equips families with practical knowledge, emotional support, and community — ensuring no spouse has to figure out Navy life alone.

Whether you’re brand new to the Navy, a seasoned spouse, or somewhere in between, this conversation highlights why COMPASS remains one of the most trusted resources in the Navy community.

In this episode, you’ll hear about:

• The origin story of COMPASS

How a spouse recognized the need for Navy-specific

support and built a program that has served families for

25 years.

• What COMPASS actually is

  A peer-led, spouse-to-spouse program offering Navy Life 101 — from benefits and PCS moves to deployments and communication.

• Why the peer model works

  COMPASS creates a rank-free, judgment-free environment where spouses learn from lived experience and shared understanding.

• Confidence through knowledge

  Participants learn practical skills like reading LES statements, understanding entitlements, planning PCS moves, and navigating deployments.

• Connection beyond Google

  While information is online, COMPASS provides nuance, hands-on learning, and real human connection.

• Support during isolation and transition

  COMPASS helps spouses build confidence, friendships, and support networks after PCS moves and during deployment seasons.

• Why seasoned spouses still benefit

  Even experienced spouses gain new insights, updated policy information, and fresh PCS and deployment tips.

• Volunteer mentorship & giving back

  How spouses can become COMPASS mentors and make a tangible impact supporting fellow Navy families.

• How the program evolved for modern Navy life

  From curriculum updates to virtual sessions, COMPASS continues adapting to changing Navy policies and family needs.

• A powerful message for overwhelmed spouses

  You are not alone. There is a legacy of spouses ready to support you.

Resources & Links

• COMPASS Program Information

• NS FamilyLine Website

• NS FamilyLine Facebook

• NS FamilyLine Instagram

• COMPASS Instagram: @go.compass

If this episode encouraged you, share it with a spouse who is new, transitioning, or feeling overwhelmed. One conversation can open the door to confidence and community.

From our Navy family to yours — stay strong, stay connected, and stay mission ready.

Resources & Links