Best duty stations for families?

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 28 Jan 2021 14:32:36 -0500

My reenlist window is going to open soon. I’m seeing the possibility to reenlist for a minimum of 2 more years, my first choice has always being going to Belvoir. Because of the location and jobs opportunities for my wife.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 28 at 2021 2:42 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 28 Jan 2021 14:42:00 -0500

You're going to need to reenlist for three more years, bare minimum, if you want to PCS. Four years if you want to go overseas.

Belvoir is not going to have any 12N slots for you. You need to look towards large bases with a BCT. Drum, Hood, Hawaii, Alaska, Germany, JBLM, Stewart, etc.

Don't bother with places like Meade and Belvoir, or training posts Fort Sam, Huachuca, Jackson, Eustis etc. They either don't have your MOS or they don't have your MOS at your skill level.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Jan 28 at 2021 2:58 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Thu, 28 Jan 2021 14:58:45 -0500

Go to a small post that does not have combat units.

Response by WO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 28 at 2021 7:58 PM

WO1 Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 28 Jan 2021 19:58:55 -0500

One thing with the Belvoir area, it is an expensive area. Unsure as to positions for your MOS.

I myself and my family are not huge city people, and thus not a fan of the area.

Some people here really love the assignment for the city life though.

Response by CSM Darieus ZaGara made Jan 29 at 2021 6:06 AM

CSM Darieus ZaGara — Fri, 29 Jan 2021 06:06:09 -0500

It depends on what your family enjoys, and there desires. If it is a job for your spouse then look for bases in larger city’s and towns. Fort Bliss, Fort Carson, etc. installations in Sam all towns, no matter how big the base presents less opportunity for a spouse to work. Your MOS will usually limit you to large bases.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 29 at 2021 2:20 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 29 Jan 2021 14:20:12 -0500

Yeah your definitely not getting Fort Belvoir, be realistic it's not just about your MOS it's also about your skill level as well. Your not gonna hide in Belvoir for the next 2 years when you have a handful of units deploying or on rotation that need numbers.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 29 at 2021 5:13 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 29 Jan 2021 17:13:14 -0500

There actually are 12N in Belvoir, but they are all ASI C8. So if you're not C8 you can't request it

Response by SSG Bill McCoy made Jan 29 at 2021 5:35 PM

SSG Bill McCoy — Fri, 29 Jan 2021 17:35:13 -0500

IF (big "IF") you can get Belvoir it is a nice post and the new Army Museum is there. I was there for 52 months in the mid-late 70's; and it's all changed since. The public schools (Fairfax County) USED to be rated among the top public schools, but no more. The influx of foreigners has caused a lot of issues - like requiring numerous translators for Parent-Teacher Conferences, etc.
We've held three MP reunions there in t he last 6 years or so, and the area is SEVERELY congested now - traffic and businesses. Frankly, I would not want to be stationed there today. The post itself though has a lot to offer.

Response by SFC Melvin Brandenburg made Feb 18 at 2021 12:05 AM

SFC Melvin Brandenburg — Thu, 18 Feb 2021 00:05:04 -0500

My opinion...Fort Living Room