What term is used when an Airman changes units on the same installation?

The term used when an Airman changes units on the same installation is PCA, which stands for Permanent Change of Assignment. This indicates that the Airman is reassigned from one unit to another within the same base, with no change in duty station location.

In contrast, a Permanent Change of Station (PCS) refers to a relocation to a different installation, often involving a significant move, while PTDY (Participation Temporary Duty) involves temporary assignments away from the home station. Leave is simply time off that an Airman takes for personal reasons. Understanding the distinctions between these terms is essential for managing military assignments and planning for transitions within a career in the Air Force.