So when DH gets orders back to the states what timeframe could he end up moving... within a certain month or do they move it depending on needs? :dunno

It depends on how far he is in his window, in most (but of course not ALL) cases, you generally PCS about 9 months after you receive your orders. Some have gone sooner, some later. It all depends on how long your current duty station needs you, when the next one does, if they are going to school between stations, etc.

If he already has orders, he should already know the roundabout time on when he has to check-in at the new station.

HTH!

I am already looking into how things will work next year... gaining a greater understanding is a huge help!

I think he said he will start looking into orders 9-12 months ahead of his 3 year mark there, would this make sense?

I am already looking into how things will work next year... gaining a greater understanding is a huge help!

Good for you! It's always better to know as much as you can! Good luck! :xfingers

you start looking for orders about 12 months before your time at your current duty station is up. So if he has say 18 months left in Japan then he would start looking in about 6 months, however he can take i think up to three months to put in for orders once that time happens.