MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. -- Summer marks the beginning of warm weather, sunshine and trips to the beach; but in the Marine Corps, it is also the peak season for a permanent change of duty station.

Camp Pendleton's Distribution Management Office (DMO), formerly known as Traffic Management Office (TMO), located at building 2263, is encouraging all Marines who currently have orders or are conducting a PCS move in the near future, to plan for delays due to the high demand for services during their peak season during the summer.

Since DMO is in such high demand, they are currently releasing black-out dates where their system and contracted carriers can no longer accept any scheduled moves up to that date. As of July 11, DMO's issued black-out date is July 27, and is scheduled to change daily.

"It is extremely important that when Marines receive their orders for a summertime PCS, they contact DMO immediately," said Maj. Christopher Cox, director of DMO. "It's inevitable that there will be delays, so in order for them to secure a date, they need to plan ahead."

Flexibility and preparation are key in order to ensure designated movers for a specified date, Cox expressed. Once a Marine receives their orders, the first thing they should do is schedule a move-out for DMO to arrange. Another option that Marines have is to do a Personally Procured Move, informally known as a "DITY" or "Do-It-Yourself" move, rather than have movers box and move belongings. With this option, Marines will get reimbursed up to 95 percent of the prorated cost.

"It's good to have a PPM arrangement plan just in case," said Lorraine Phillips, lead transportation assistant, DMO. "Our peak season is the hardest time for us, and we are doing everything we can to prepare."

The peak season usually lasts from May through August and slows down in mid-September, so Cox suggested that if a Marine has a PCS during those months to preferably give a 60-90 day notice of move-out. Also, plan to not terminate a lease or base housing until DMO has a secured date with a carrier to move household items. 

Headquarters Marine Corps also has an online database that now allows Marines and families to do DMO scheduling online, which can alleviate some of the upcoming summertime traffic. All documents needed can be issued and scheduling can be done through automatic documentation via www.move.mil.  

For further information regarding DMO call 760-725-8666/8663/8177. To improve the quality of service, Marines who have previously moved with DMO assistance are also encouraged to do a short survey which can be found on their website.