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PCS Arrival Checklist
Fort Hood / Killeen

25 essential steps from the day orders drop through your first 30 days — in-processing, housing, schools, admin, and community.

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✓ All Steps Completed — Welcome to Fort Hood!
Phase 1 · Immediately

When Orders Arrive

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  • Contact transportation (PPPO) to schedule household goods shipment Time-Sensitive
    Call as soon as orders drop — moving slots fill fast during peak PCS season (May–August).
  • Apply for on-post housing at cavalryfh.com
    (254) 287-6434 — even if you're planning to live off-post, get on the list. You can always decline an offer later.
  • Apply for on-post childcare at MilitaryChildCare.com
    Waitlists are long. Apply now regardless of your move date or whether you end up living on- or off-post.
  • Notify your current landlord / initiate a lease break under SCRA
    The Servicemembers Civil Relief Act protects your right to break a lease with valid PCS orders. Give proper written notice.
Phase 2 · Before You Arrive

Prep & Research

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  • Research communities near Fort Hood
    Killeen, Harker Heights, Copperas Cove, and Nolanville each offer different proximity, schools, and price points.
  • Calculate your BAH and set a housing budget Pro Tip
    Use the BAH Calculator to know your exact rate by pay grade and dependency status before you start looking.
  • Arrange temporary lodging
    Book on-post guest housing or a local hotel early. Temporary Lodging Expense (TLE/TLA) may cover part of the cost — confirm with finance.
  • Confirm you have a REAL ID-compliant driver's license or military ID
    Required for all adults in vehicles at Fort Hood access points since May 2025.
  • Request a sponsor from your gaining unit Recommended
    Ask your gaining unit POC for a sponsor — they can answer questions and help coordinate your arrival before you land.
Phase 3 · Day 1

In-Processing

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  • Sign in at the Copeland Soldier Service Center (CSSC), Building 18010 Time-Sensitive
    Corner of TJ Mills Blvd & Battalion Ave — this is your first stop for in-processing.
  • Turn in your orders and medical/dental records
    Bring original orders, medical records, and a DA 31 leave form if applicable.
  • Update DD Form 93 and SGLI
    Requires your CAC with PII certificates loaded — update emergency contacts and life insurance beneficiaries.
  • Register your vehicle and obtain a base access pass
    Bring your registration, insurance card, and driver's license.
Phase 4 · First Week

Family Setup

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  • Register dependents at the DEERS office
    (254) 287-5670 / 2518 — updates Tricare coverage and medical referrals to route correctly at your new location.
  • Enroll children in their school district
    Bring immunization records, previous school records, proof of residency, and IEP documentation if applicable.
  • Schedule medical & dental appointments at Carl R. Darnall Army Medical Center
    Get routine care and any needed referrals on the books early — appointment availability tightens during peak PCS months.
  • Set up local banking
    Open a local account or confirm your existing bank has branches/ATMs in the Killeen area.
  • Update your mailing address
    File a USPS change of address, update financial accounts, and notify your unit S1 of your permanent address.
Phase 5 · Weeks 1–2

Housing Decisions

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  • Tour on-post neighborhoods if a waitlist offer comes in
    Quality varies by village — ask which specific neighborhood you're being offered before accepting.
  • Tour off-post rentals in your target neighborhoods
    Bring your BAH number and be ready to move — inventory turns over fast during peak season.
  • Set up utilities if moving off-post
    Oncor (electric) and local water/internet providers serve the area. Set up before move-in to avoid gaps in service.
  • If buying: connect with a VA loan lender and start pre-approval Recommended
    A pre-approval letter in hand makes your offer competitive from day one.
Phase 6 · Days 15–30

Community & Resources

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  • Visit Army Community Service (ACS)
    Bldg 36000 Shoemaker Lane, 2nd Floor — free financial counseling, spouse employment help, and relocation resources.
  • Join the Fort Hood PCS Pay It Forward on Facebook group
    The best source of unfiltered local intel — rental leads, recommendations, and real answers from people already here.
  • Explore MWR amenities
    Gym, commissary, PX, and recreation programs — a good way to start feeling settled.

Ready to Find Your Home Near Fort Hood?

Sujin Park Henson has guided 200+ military families through the Fort Hood housing market. VA loans, remote searches, and PCS timelines are her specialty.

Schedule a free 15-minute call

Also in the toolkit:

BAH Calculator
On-Post vs. Off-Post
Neighborhoods
VA Loan Guide
Schools
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