How long should service members be stationed at a unit?

LTC David S. Chang, ChFC®, CLU® — Sat, 01 Feb 2014 18:20:18 -0500

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?

Response by CMC Robert Young made Feb 1 at 2014 6:54 PM

CMC Robert Young — Sat, 01 Feb 2014 18:54:51 -0500

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. Remaining with one unit builds continuity; reduces disruptions caused by personnel not being adequately acquainted with the operation or their new teammates. It always heightens that sense of belonging & 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). The downside is that 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 the broader possibilities for gaining life's experiences born of new places, relationships and challenges. 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 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.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 1 at 2014 6:56 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 01 Feb 2014 18:56:01 -0500

In my younger days - that is the reason I joined the military…to get to see the world!  Now that I'm married and my kids are entering high school…the stabilization for life appeals to me more and more.  I can see pro's and con's in each.

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 1 at 2014 7:00 PM

MSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 01 Feb 2014 19:00:56 -0500

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.

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!

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 1 at 2014 7:08 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 01 Feb 2014 19:08:10 -0500

In my opinion it is a matter of professional growth.  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.  As MCPO Young stated, it successfully builds your team and allows for continuity.  Once you stop your job advancement then it is time to move on to greener pastures.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 1 at 2014 7:28 PM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 01 Feb 2014 19:28:13 -0500

2 year minimum If a soldier likes to PCS a lot.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made May 25 at 2014 7:45 AM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 25 May 2014 07:45:59 -0400

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 MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 27 at 2015 6:00 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 27 Mar 2015 18:00:04 -0400

Long enough until you have a problem with your boss and one of you gets transferred.

Response by CPL Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 28 at 2016 4:14 PM

CPL Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 28 Jun 2016 16:14:51 -0400

I think 2 would be great.

Response by CW5 Mark Smith made Jul 5 at 2020 11:27 PM

CW5 Mark Smith — Sun, 05 Jul 2020 23:27:49 -0400

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.