The Five Stages of Learning Your PCS Orders Changed

PCS orders have gotten complicated with all the last-minute changes flying around. As someone who’s experienced the emotional rollercoaster of changed orders more than once, I learned everything there is to know about processing this particular disappointment. Today, I will share it all with you.

You had Hawaii. HAWAII. Your spouse already bought sundresses. The kids practiced their surfing poses. Then the branch manager called.

Denial

Probably should have led with this section, honestly. “There must be a mistake. I have orders right here. H-A-W-A-I-I. Let me call someone who knows what they’re doing.”

Anger

“Fort Polk?! FORT POLK?! I’ve been in fifteen years! I did my time at Polk! Who did I wrong? Was it that PT test where I walked the last quarter mile? That staff officer I cut off in the parking lot?” That’s what makes this stage the loudest one in our house.

Bargaining

“What if I extend for two years? Three years? I’ll re-enlist right now on the spot. I’ll take any MOS. I’ll become a cook. Please. Not Polk. I’ll volunteer for every detail. Just anywhere else.” I’ve witnessed this exact monologue more than once.

Depression

*stares blankly at wall* *googles “things to do near Fort Polk”* *finds one tourist attraction within 90 miles* *closes laptop* *lies on floor contemplating career choices*

Acceptance

“The fishing is supposed to be good. Cost of living is low. My spouse can finally start that Etsy business. This could be… an adventure? Growth opportunity? Character building?”

Acceptance usually lasts until you arrive and realize there’s one Walmart serving the entire region and the nearest Target is in another time zone. Then you discover the humidity. That’s what makes the first month a test of willpower.

The orders change again in eighteen months. This time, surely, the Army will remember you exist.

Narrator: The Army did not remember.

But hey, at least you learned to fish. And you’ll have stories. So many stories. I’ve found that some of our best family memories came from the assignments we dreaded most.