About this episode

The episode discusses critical planning decisions for PCS moves, including housing options and communication with family.

In this episode of Militarily Speaking, we continue our four-part PCS Survival Guide. In Episode 2 of our PCS Survival Series, Tom, Jodi, and VA loan expert Mel Aguto break down the biggest planning decisions in any PCS move: how to talk to your kids, on-base vs. off-base housing, and the critical HHG vs. DITY/PPM move choice. Plus: the one thing you should absolutely not do the moment orders arrive. Militarily Speaking dives into the heart of military life through the voices of those who’ve lived it. Hosted by Tom McLean and Jodi Vickery – seasoned professionals with a passion for serving the military community – the show blends financial insight, real-world experience, and honest conversation. Jodi, a proud military spouse, and Tom bring different perspectives that make every episode both relatable and practical. Each episode, we sit down with veterans, spouses, and leaders who share stories that matter – from the challenges of deployment and transition to insights on careers, family, and finances. It’s about the military journey, told through the people who know it best. And don’t miss our Military Minute, a trivia segment where listeners can test their knowledge of military…

People in this episode

Hosts: Tom McLean, Jodi Vickery

Guest: Mel Aguto

Topics covered

• PCS moves
• military life
• housing decisions
• family communication
• DITY/PPM moves

Keywords

• PCS Survival Guide
• DITY
• PPM
• military housing
• moving decisions
• military life

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Armed Forces Bank

More episodes of Militarily Speaking

• The Organization Quietly Solving One of America's Biggest Veteran Housing Problems – Purple Heart Homes · July 15, 2026 · 40 min
• PCS Survival Guide - Episode 4: Landing on the Other Side — The First 30-60 Days, Spouse Careers, Community and What Experienced Military Families Wish They Had Done Earlier · July 1, 2026 · 25 min
• PCS Survival Guide - Episode 3: The Move Itself — What the Military Pays, What Comes Out of Your Pocket, and the Mistakes That Cost Families Most · June 17, 2026 · 20 min
• PCS Survival Guide - Episode 1: PCS Orders, Paperwork & Everything You Need to Know First · April 29, 2026 · 26 min
• How to Get Money Back from Your PCS Move – with Jason from VeteranPCS · April 15, 2026 · 41 min
• Military Families: Are You Missing These Financial Resources? · March 4, 2026 · 48 min

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