Planes Companies Military Relocation Guide

Professional Books & Equipment

PBP&E/Pro-Gear is defined as: HHG in a member's possession needed for the performance of official duties at the next or a later destination. If you have PBP&E/Pro-Gear to declare, you must do so at the time of counseling (at your Transportation Office or during Self-Counseling in DPS). Your estimated weight is printed on your DD Form 1299 or the word “None” is present if you do not declare a weight for PBP&E/Pro-Gear.

PBP&E will be limited to a MAXIMUM net weight of 2,000 lbs with no authority to waive the limitation based on orders issued on or after May 1st 2014.

If you have PB&E, it is strongly suggested that you have these items clearly separated from the rest of your household goods prior to the packers and driver arriving at your residence. When they do arrive, point out these items so that they can be packed and inventoried separately. Please make sure that the box and the inventory are marked PB&E.

When properly listed on the inventory and weighed, the weight of PBP&E/Pro-Gear does not count against the total weight of you shipment(s).

Before signing the inventory prepared by the movers be sure these items are listed as ‘PBP&E’ and not as ‘books’ or ‘miscellaneous.’ The proper designation of these items and the exclusion of the weight can be very important.

When required to perform official duties, the following items are considered professional books, papers and equipment:

• Reference books, papers and materials.
• Instruments, tools and equipment needed by technicians, mechanics and other professionals.
• Specialized clothing such as diving suits, flying suits, band uniforms and other apparel not considered to be normal or usual uniforms or clothing.
• Communications equipment used in connection with the Military Affiliated Radio System.
• Individually owned or specially issued field clothing or equipment.

Excluded form PBP&E/Pro-Gear

• Commercial products for sale/resale used in conducting business
• Sports equipment
• Office, household, or shop fixtures or furniture (such as bookcases, study/computer desks, file cabinets, and racks) of any kind even though used ICW the PBP&E/Pro-Gear.
• Any peripheral devices
• Memorabilia including awards, plaques or other objects presented for past performance.
• Table services including flatware (including serving pieces), dishes (including serving pieces, salvers and their heating unites), other utensils, and glassware.
• Text books from previous schools unrelated to future duties, personal books, even if used as a part of a past professional reading program or course of instruction and reference material that ordinarily would be available at the next PDS either in hard copy or available on the Internet.

Spousal Pro-Gear

• The Service concerned may authorize an additional weight “Not TO Exceed” 500 pounds for PBP&E/Pro-Gear that belongs to the member’s spouse when on a PCS. PBP&E/Pro-Gear for a member’s spouse must meet the definition of spouse PBP&E/Pro-Gear in the JFTR, Appendix A and is necessary for employment or community support activities at the next duty station or a later destination. The shipment of PBP&E/Pro-Gear for a member’s spouse is in the same manner and under the same condition as other HHG. PBP&E/Pro-Gear will be identified as belonging to the spouse, packed, weighed, and inventoried separately, to include listing the actual weight of PBP&E/Pro-Gear.