LTC David S. Chang, ChFC®, CLU®48895<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>We move every three to four years to different locations and different assignments. The British have a system where when you choose a unit, it is pretty much for life. Should the US use that type of system?How long should service members be stationed at a unit?2014-02-01T18:20:18-05:00LTC David S. Chang, ChFC®, CLU®48895<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>We move every three to four years to different locations and different assignments. The British have a system where when you choose a unit, it is pretty much for life. Should the US use that type of system?How long should service members be stationed at a unit?2014-02-01T18:20:18-05:002014-02-01T18:20:18-05:00CMC Robert Young48933<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div><p>Sir, there is much to be said for remaining with a single organization for a long period of time. Several years ago I read a research study which pointed out how frequent moves in the military system degraded unit performance. </p><p><br></p><p>Remaining with&nbsp;one unit&nbsp;builds continuity; reduces disruptions caused by personnel not being adequately acquainted with the operation or their new teammates.&nbsp;It always heightens that sense of belonging &amp; ownership which drives high performance (you own it, you'll take care of it. know you're leaving in less than 18 months, then maybe not so much). </p><p><br></p><p>The downside is that&nbsp;if not managed appropriately this static situation allows people to become stale, and unmotivated. Continuity of action is great until it robs the organization of motivation and challenge because things have become routine. It eliminates&nbsp;the broader possibilities for gaining life's experiences born of new places, relationships and challenges.</p><p><br></p><p>Is it possible that the military could do a better job of allowing members some geographic stability for the sake of their families by transferring members between collocated or closely located units? Members&nbsp;would gain the much of the opportunity needed to continue their career development while maintaining something far closer to a normal home life. Food for thought.</p>Response by CMC Robert Young made Feb 1 at 2014 6:54 PM2014-02-01T18:54:51-05:002014-02-01T18:54:51-05:00LTC Private RallyPoint Member48934<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>In my younger days - that is the reason I joined the military…to get to see the world! &nbsp;Now that I'm married and my kids are entering high school…the stabilization for life appeals to me more and more. &nbsp;I can see pro's and con's in each.Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 1 at 2014 6:56 PM2014-02-01T18:56:01-05:002014-02-01T18:56:01-05:00MSgt Private RallyPoint Member48938<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>In the Air Force we call it "Homesteading" when someone stays at a base to long, and it's generally a bad thing for later promotions because it shows a lack in breadth of experience. The new thing since PCS budgets are smaller is "Jobsteading," if you stayed at a base too long did you stay in the same job, or move around.<div><br></div><div>As for me, I like that ability to move around and go to different places. I think it builds better, more well rounded leaders, USUALLY! I have also seen the people that were able to move around enough and get accolades, but then weren't there when all the program booby traps they left blew-up!</div>Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 1 at 2014 7:00 PM2014-02-01T19:00:56-05:002014-02-01T19:00:56-05:00SFC Private RallyPoint Member48948<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>In my opinion it is a matter of professional growth. &nbsp;If you continue to grow in your job and are assigned new and challenge positions (along your career path) then staying in one location is not a bad thing. &nbsp;As MCPO Young stated, it successfully builds your team and allows for continuity. &nbsp;Once you stop your job advancement then it is time to move on to greener pastures.Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 1 at 2014 7:08 PM2014-02-01T19:08:10-05:002014-02-01T19:08:10-05:001SG Private RallyPoint Member48970<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>2 year minimum If a soldier likes to PCS a lot.Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 1 at 2014 7:28 PM2014-02-01T19:28:13-05:002014-02-01T19:28:13-05:00MAJ Private RallyPoint Member134584<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>There's a push to extend medical research personnel to 4 yr tours. Makes sense. When you need to get research money, write a grant, and then execute research, it's almost impossible to do within 3 years. There's a lot of research dollars wasted because army scientists are moved before they can finish their project, and it discourages the creation of new and/or more demanding studies.Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made May 25 at 2014 7:45 AM2014-05-25T07:45:59-04:002014-05-25T07:45:59-04:00MSG Private RallyPoint Member556956<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Long enough until you have a problem with your boss and one of you gets transferred.Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 27 at 2015 6:00 PM2015-03-27T18:00:04-04:002015-03-27T18:00:04-04:00CPL Private RallyPoint Member1671583<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>I think 2 would be great.Response by CPL Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 28 at 2016 4:14 PM2016-06-28T16:14:51-04:002016-06-28T16:14:51-04:00CW5 Mark Smith6074936<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>If you remained with the same unit, the only chance for promotion would be retirement or death within that organization. Come to think of it, that's how it works in the Air Force.Response by CW5 Mark Smith made Jul 5 at 2020 11:27 PM2020-07-05T23:27:49-04:002020-07-05T23:27:49-04:002014-02-01T18:20:18-05:00