I'm writing a story set on a military base. Some of the characters are active duty. Others are civilian contractors. For the active duty characters:
1. How long ahead of when they are scheduled to leave will they get their orders?
2. Who else knows about their orders like their supervisor and base commander? When do they know?
2016-09-26T16:12:42Z
This is NOT part of a homework assignment. I graduated over 20 years ago. I'm a writer, but don't know anyone in the military to ask.
AJ2016-09-26T17:20:43Z
Favorite Answer
Lets see who else knows about your PCS orders? Division G-1 enlisted orders, Brigade S-1, Battalion S-1, Company Commander, 1SG, Training NCO, Platoon Leader, Platoon Sergeant, Squad Leader(if applicable) and that's just who would know before you would. Once you get them, that person is telling everyone he's PCSing as he already has his short timers calendar set.
I've found out when I was PCSing months in advance, but some people find out days ahead of time, or are even diverted in route. However, the majority of people tend to get at least a couple of months notice. Unless they are someone important, the base commander is not going to know anything; at most, he'll have seen the name of one of a few thousand people that work for him on a list of people departing. Pretty much anyone around the person would know; it's not a big secret when someone gets orders. The person's unit leadership will know pretty much at the same time as them, because the unit commander will also get notified.
You will generally know you are going to PCS 6-12 months out. Your entire chain of command will also know as you will be placed onto your units loss roster.
The base commander has nothing to do with you or your orders.