Fort Carson PCS Checklist 2026: The Complete Week-by-Week Guide

Updated January 2026 • 10 min read

A successful PCS to Fort Carson comes down to preparation and timing. Miss a step and you're scrambling during your first week on a new post — miss several and you're dealing with BAH gaps, missed school enrollments, and TRICARE lapses. This checklist covers every action item from the moment orders drop through your first 30 days in Colorado Springs.

Week 12–10: Orders Just Dropped

• Submit a copy of orders to losing unit S1 and Finance — start the official out-processing clock
• Apply for Fort Carson on-post housing through Corvias immediately: corviascommunitiesco.com or (719) 576-1155
• Contact gaining unit rear detachment — request a sponsor assignment
• Schedule a Transportation/TMO appointment for your HHG shipment
• Research neighborhoods: Security-Widefield, Fountain, Lorson Ranch
• Review your 2026 BAH rate — know your housing budget before looking at rentals
• Start EFMP screening process if any family member has special needs
• Notify your children's current schools — request complete records packets immediately

Week 9–7: Planning Phase

• Book government travel on move.mil — set your pack-out and delivery dates
• Research school districts — D-8 for Fountain/Security-Widefield, D-20 for Briargate, D-49 for Falcon/east side
• Connect with sponsor for local intel on housing, unit culture, and neighborhood recommendations
• Research TRICARE options — Prime at Evans Army Hospital vs. TRICARE Select with civilian providers
• Transfer or fill 90-day prescriptions through TRICARE mail-order (Express Scripts)
• Check vehicle registration requirements — Colorado requires registration within 90 days, emissions test for older vehicles
• Update will and powers of attorney at your losing installation's JAG office
• Create a housing hunt trip plan if traveling to COS before the move

Week 6–4: Logistics Lock-In

• Confirm movers — get pack-out date in writing, confirm delivery window to Colorado Springs
• Book temporary lodging: IHG Army Hotels at Fort Carson (Iron Horse Inn) or civilian extended-stay near post
• Arrange pet transport — confirm pet-friendly housing or on-post pet policy with Corvias
• Compile essential documents binder: birth certificates, marriage certificate, passports, medical records, shot records, vehicle titles, insurance cards, school records
• Begin address changes: DEERS, bank accounts, credit cards, VA, Social Security, subscriptions
• Cancel or transfer utilities, internet, subscriptions at current address
• Pack personal valuables separately — do not put jewelry, financial documents, or irreplaceable items in the HHG shipment
• Research Colorado Springs dentists who accept TRICARE Dental Program (TDP)

Week 3–1: Final Countdown

• Pack "first night" box: bedding, coffee maker, paper plates, toiletries, towels, chargers, snacks, kids' comfort items, pet food
• Document current home with time-stamped photos/video for move-out inventory
• Confirm vehicle is serviced for the drive — check tires, oil, coolant, and emergency kit
• Ensure all pets have current rabies and health certificates (Colorado requires these)
• Notify employer of last day (for employed spouses)
• Download offline maps for the Colorado Springs area — cell service can be spotty in parts of Fountain Valley
• Get $200–$500 in cash for tips, incidentals, and the first few days before banking is set up

Arrival Week: Days 1–5

• Day 1: Report to unit and sign in. Get gaining unit sponsor confirmation and unit in-processing schedule
• Day 1–2: Fort Carson In-Processing Center, Building 1525, Sheridan Ave — bring complete orders packet, DA photo, immunization records
• Day 2: Finance (S1) — verify BAH entitlement is correct, confirm direct deposit, review LES for accuracy
• Day 2–3: Corvias housing office — confirm on-post move-in date OR notify you're living off-post and establish BAH cash payment
• Day 3: TRICARE enrollment at Evans Army Community Hospital, Building 1000, (719) 526-7200 — select PCM, enroll family members
• Day 3: ID cards — DEERS update at Building 6151, (719) 526-3822. Update all family member IDs if expired
• Day 4: Vehicle registration at on-post DMV annex or Colorado Springs DMV (bring title, insurance, and emissions test if needed)
• Day 4–5: ACS newcomer orientation, Building 2104 — sign up for lending closet (free household items while HHGs are in transit), school liaison contact, and spouse employment programs
• Day 5: Open local bank or credit union account — Ent Credit Union and Security Service FCU both have on-post branches and understand military financial needs

Week 2–4: Settling In

• Enroll children in school — contact school liaison at ACS (719) 526-5399 for enrollment support
• Set up utilities if off-post (Colorado Springs Utilities for electric/gas/water in city limits; Black Hills Energy or Xcel for Fountain area)
• Find a dentist — TRICARE Dental Program (TDP) has a network search at tricare.mil
• Establish care with a PCM at Evans or a TRICARE-authorized civilian provider — don't wait for a health issue to force this
• Register vehicles in Colorado if not done in week 1 (you have 90 days from establishing residency)
• Explore the installation — know where the PX, Commissary, Outdoor Recreation, and gym are located
• Attend an FRG event or unit family event — these connections pay dividends during field problems and deployments
• Visit Garden of the Gods (free) and Manitou Springs with the family — celebrate surviving the PCS!

For the detailed 12-week checklist with phone numbers and office locations, see our complete PCS guide. For housing decisions, see the BAH 2026 guide and best neighborhoods post.