You’ve got your orders. You’ve explored Move.mil. You’re making up inventories and to-do lists in your head, if not on paper or in your phone.

Maybe you’ve got your next military move figured out, and you’d like to skip the mandatory counseling session the services require. That might be possible, if you choose the “self-counseling” option through the Defense Personal Property System.

(Not sure how to access DPS? Head here, but that’s not a good sign for self-reliance, PCS-wise.)

If you are a veteran of military moving, there’s a chance you can go online-only on this step. But if you’re part of any of these groups, according to a Move.mil self-counseling guide, you are NOT permitted to skip the in-person session:

ARMY

  • If it’s your first personal property move, or your last (because of impending retirement/separation).
  • If you move involves contingency orders.
  • If you’re moving dependents out of the continental U.S.
  • If you’re using a power of attorney to move property that’s not in your name.
  • If this is your last personal property move (retirement or separation).
  • If you’re making the move as a next-of-kin, or as an officer of a court.

NAVY

  • If you’re making the move as a next-of-kin, or as an officer of a court.

MARINE CORPS

  • If you’re making the move as a next-of-kin, or as an officer of a court.
  • If you’re using a power of attorney to move property that’s not in your name.

COAST GUARD

  • If it’s your first personal property move, or your last (because of impending retirement/separation).
  • If you’re using a power of attorney to move property that’s not in your name.
  • If you’re making the move as a next-of-kin, or as an officer of a court.

Not part of those groups? In-person counseling’s still an option, but if you follow the DPS directions, you’re able to take the online route.

Kevin Lilley is the features editor of Military Times.

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