“PCS” is not a word.
Posted on: March 24,2025We don’t just move—we “PCS.” We say things like, “We’re PCSing to Lejeune this summer,” or “I can’t believe we have to PCS again already!” Friends, acronyms are not real words. Are we weird? Clever? Or just slowly losing our minds from the stress? (Honestly, it’s probably all three.) #Militarylifeproblems?
If there’s one thing I know for certain, it’s that “PCSing” is never easy. Whether it’s your first move or your fifteenth, every relocation brings its own set of challenges. The packing. The planning. The paperwork. And now, with the rollout of the Global Household Goods Contract (GHC), there’s a lot of uncertainty in the air.
I get it.
For four years, I had the privilege of serving as the Headquarters Lead Advocate for the USMC PCS Advocacy Council. During that time, I worked alongside a team of dedicated, knowledgeable Marine Corps spouses who volunteered their time to help families navigate the complexities of military moves. And let me tell you—this team is incredible.
What is the USMC PCS Advocacy Council?
Simply put, they’re a bridge.
The USMC PCS Advocacy Council (UPAC) is made up entirely of Marine Corps spouses of active-duty service members who volunteer their time to help families navigate PCS challenges. They are not the fixers—they find you a fixer. They don’t make policy – they influence it. They can’t reroute your missing shipment overnight (they wish!), but they know where to go, who to talk to, and what resources exist to help you.
Their mission is simple:
- Inform Marine Corps families about their PCS entitlements and available resources.
- Advocate for positive policy improvements in the PCS process by providing direct feedback to key decision-makers.
- Connect spouses and families with the right support networks when they run into issues.
Navigating the Transition
I know that this new Global Household Goods Contract (GHC) transition has many families feeling uneasy. It’s a huge shift in how military moves are handled, and with any change, there are bound to be growing pains. But here’s what I can tell you:
🔹 The USMC PCS Advocacy Council is informed. They are staying up to date on every change, every update, and every challenge that comes with this transition.
🔹 They are connected. They work closely with officials from USTRANSCOM and HQMC to bring spouse concerns directly to leadership. Let’s just say they have friends in high places—literally.
🔹 They are here for you. They may not be able to fix every problem, but they can help you understand your rights, point you to the right offices, and make sure your concerns are heard.
Don’t Do It Alone
PCS moves are stressful enough without throwing in a whole new system like GHC. Suddenly, it’s not just packing boxes—it’s navigating a moving overhaul while hoping your stuff actually arrives.
The USMC PCS Advocacy Council gets it—because they PCS, too. They’ve dealt with the delays, the lost shipments, and the endless emails. They understand the stress, the frustration, and the uncertainty.
I may not be on the council anymore, but I know firsthand how much they care and how much they help. If you need guidance or just someone who gets it, reach out. They’re here, they’re informed, and they’re ready to help.
Get Connected
Email the council: [email protected]
Join the FB group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/USMCPCSSupport
Krista Ickles is the Program Coordinator for the Marine Corps Association’s Behind the Camouflage program, where she is dedicated to supporting and empowering Marine Corps spouses by fostering community connections and providing resources to enhance their personal and professional growth. In this role, she works to ensure that Marine Corps spouses have access to opportunities that strengthen their sense of belonging and engagement within the military community.
Throughout her journey, she has focused on advocacy, operations management, and military family support. Prior to her current role, she served as Operations Manager for AtEase, an online platform providing government-approved lodging for military families during PCS moves. Before that, she was theHeadquarters Lead Advocate for the USMC PCS Advocacy Council, where she worked to improve relocation experiences for Marine families by engaging with senior leadership and driving policy discussions.
In addition to her professional experience, Krista is a mother of four and has been a proud Marine Corps spouse for over 25 years. Her deep connection to the military community fuels her passion for advocating for military families, enhancing spouse networks, and building strong support systems.
