When a Marine is transferred to another base, it is called a permanent change of station (PCS). PCS orders are issued and used by the Marine to coordinate transportation of his household goods, travel for him and his dependents, request leave and complete out-processing at his current base.
Marines are allowed a travel advance to purchase plane tickets or to pay for hotels and meals if he is authorized to drive a car to his new duty station. The amount is determined by the distance and number of days of travel allowed. If the PCS is to an overseas assignment, Marines are reimbursed for travel to the aerial port of debarkation (APOD). The APOD is either a military airbase or a civilian international airport.
When a Marine separates honorably from the Corps, he is given a travel allowance to return home. Travel for his dependents and transportation of household goods is also allowed.
Three categories of separation determine the travel allowance. A Marine who separates honorably after serving 90 percent or more of her enlistment is in category I. Category I Marines are allowed travel expenses home of record by any means. Category II Marines are either separating honorably with less than 90 percent of their enlistment completed or separating with less than honorable conditions. A category II Marine is allowed travel expenses home, but only by the cheapest mode of travel available. A retiring Marine is in category III and is authorized travel expenses home by any means he chooses.
Temporary Additional Duty (TAD) means that a Marine has duty at another base for a period of less than six months and will return to his permanent base. Marines are allowed travel expenses to and from the temporary duty base. Marines are in a travel status during the period of temporary duty and are authorized per diem for hotel, lodging and rental car expenses. Marines with a pay grade of E-7 and above are required to use their government-issued credit card instead of receiving a travel advance.
