Which document must be submitted to change a service member's official duty station?

The requirement to submit a Permanent Change of Station (PCS) order when changing a service member's official duty station is based on the fact that PCS orders are the official documentation issued by the military that authorizes a service member to relocate from one duty station to another. These orders provide important details such as the effective date of the move, the new location, and any entitlements associated with the transfer, making them essential for the logistical and administrative aspects of the move.

The PCS orders serve as the formal command directive that initiates the change of duty station process, ensuring that all necessary procedures are followed for the service member's transition to the new location. This is why the submission of PCS orders is a critical step in changing a service member's duty station.