I returned from a 6 month deployment to South America in March. We traveled via civilian air and I had to ship multiple packages home. Can I claim these expenses?

[ryanturner20]

These items were shipped through the mail and were not refunded through the Defense Travel Service.

[MarilynG1]

Yes, as a Military member, you can claim Moving Expenses.

Military personnel should use Form 3903 to report their moving expenses:

• Shipping and storage costs for packing and moving your household goods and personal effects go on line 1 of Form 3903
• Travel, lodging, and gas costs go on line 2
• Reimbursements from your employer for any moving expenses are reported on line 4
• Reimbursements for amounts on lines 1 and 2 that are not included in box 1 of your W-2 should also go on line 4

If you’re looking at your W-2 to verify these amounts, the amount you report on line 4 should appear in box 12, code P. These directions are also included on Form 3903.

If your reimbursement exceeds your total out-of-pocket expenses, you won't be able to deduct your moving expenses, and you'll have to claim the excess reimbursement as taxable income. But if your personal expenses were more than the amount that you were reimbursed, you can deduct your out-of-pocket moving expenses to reduce your taxable income.

Here's more info on Form 3903. 

Thank you for your service!