Should Soldiers be assigned to a particular duty station or position for longer than the current average of 2-3 years (Aside from Korea)?

SSG Daniel Deiler — Wed, 02 Apr 2014 15:22:42 -0400

A recent discussion regarding cutting civilians during this downsizing period raised a very good point about the continuity and connections a DA/GS Civilian brings to the position by maintaining their job positions for years at a time. They generally get paid far better than their military counterparts who have the same background and/or qualifications (a degree or job experience) but are far more limited in what they can or cannot do on the job. I understand that Soldiers ETS/Retire/ and get chaptered...that positions need to be filled world-wide...that "Big Army" wants to see our ERB/ORB reflect a diverse assignment history and experience level; However wouldn't it be more effective across the board to maintain continuity and give Soldiers and their families more stability rather than moving every couple of years? Is it really better to be a Jack of all Trades vs. a TRUE Subject Matter Expert (SME)?

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 2 at 2014 4:19 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 02 Apr 2014 16:19:01 -0400

I think that 3-5 years is the maximum that a Soldier should be stationed in one place, at one time. It gives those individuals no diversity in their careers or a opportunity to fill positions of greater responsibility at various stations, if they don't transfer from time to time. I do appreciate the 3-5 years that the Army has been implementing for the past few years as it allows families more stability and gives our children time to adjust and make friends versus changing schools every school year.

Response by SFC William Swartz Jr made Apr 2 at 2014 4:51 PM

SFC William Swartz Jr — Wed, 02 Apr 2014 16:51:47 -0400

The "talk" a few years ago, was that Big Army was going to be keeping Soldiers at duty stations longer than what a lot of people had become accustomed to, the 2-3 year period or so. I do know that 4-5 years allows for more stabilization for family members with schooling and job security, and with far fewer duty locations overseas I continue to see this as the way forward for the Army. I do know that after about 5 years, you need a change, I spent 6.5 years at Ft. Stewart '99-'06 and knew it was time for me to go, then I spent 4 years at Ft. Knox and the same thing. Sometimes it is the location/mission (Ft. Stewart) and sometimes it's the changing leadership (Ft. Knox) but after a while, most people need the change of scenery.

Response by SFC Josh Watson made Apr 2 at 2014 5:06 PM

SFC Josh Watson — Wed, 02 Apr 2014 17:06:20 -0400

I hardly believe that 2-3 or 4-5 years can be considered stabilization. I know there are plenty of folks wanting to move around a lot, but there are still some who want to stay in one place for longer than four years. Children in school, spouses having jobs, owning property/houses and participation in the community are all reasons to stay for longer than four years. I got it, "if you don't like it, get out". But I disagree whole heartedly with the constant moving of families.

Response by WO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 2 at 2014 6:33 PM

WO1 Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 02 Apr 2014 18:33:48 -0400

I think 3 years should be the maximum time one should stay at a duty station unless your stationed at a post that has basic training because you could come down on drill sergeant orders for that post but also because you deprive that person of learning new things at a different post like going from heavy mechanical unit to a light unit. Its a shame to know this has happened but where I am at right now has kept multiple people for 4-5 years and one actually got stuck here for 9 years by no doing of his own, on the other hand I did come pcs from a place where they put in the paperwork to stay there and have been there for 8-9 years but that was a decision they made they weren't forced to stay there.

Response by SSG Daniel Deiler made Apr 2 at 2014 7:09 PM

SSG Daniel Deiler — Wed, 02 Apr 2014 19:09:12 -0400

I'd like to see a minimum of 5 years at each duty installation but with the requirement to change units on that same installation. This would give stability to families with children in school or who are active in the community and still give Soldiers and leaders the opportunity to learn new things and diversify their knowledge base.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 12 at 2014 4:38 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 12 Jun 2014 16:38:18 -0400

Great question. I think 4-6 years would be a reasonable time to spend on a base with a minimum of 3 years per unit assignment. I agree with LTC Labrador's example of keeping a Soldier at a base for several years and moving them around to get higher level experiences to which I can attest to. I spent 7 years at Fort Riley working as a BN Assistant S4 NCO then as BDE Assistant S4 NCO then as a Squadron S4 NCOIC.

I do agree with SSG Deiler regarding Korea since it's officially considered a hardship tour. Unless I was single or could have my family with me, I would not want to spend more than a year in Korea (which I already did) let alone any other overseas assignment. I only say that because even though I love visiting other countries, I don't want to be away from my family for an even longer period of time. Granted, if it came down to it and tour lengths were changed, I would follow orders. Just my 3.57 cents worth.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 12 at 2014 6:40 PM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 12 Jun 2014 18:40:06 -0400

This is one of those ideas that sounds good in theory, but when you look at the reality, it's not so pretty. Being stationed at a larger base (Ft Hood, Ft Bragg, etc..) has the benefit of having enough varied units to allow for proper professional growth and development by moving around to different units on post. But what if you were "stuck" in one of the smaller posts with limited units and no advancement opportunities? Still like the idea of being there 4-5yrs?

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 12 at 2014 8:04 PM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 12 Jun 2014 20:04:33 -0400

Maybe for some career fields this might work, but for an MOS like mine, 90% of the time I'm the only soldier in my MOS within the installation, so it's not practical for me.

Response by CW2 Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 12 at 2014 8:22 PM

CW2 Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 12 Jun 2014 20:22:43 -0400

Most probably wont agree with me but I believe that the PCS should be voluntary. Why? One is in the acronym itself Permanent meaning "lasting or intended to last or remain unchanged indefinitely." Moving every 2-3 years would make it a TCS or Temporary Change of Station (like deployments). Additionally, how much does the Army fork over every year to move a large chunk of its force to another state--seriously, someone answer this. We're talking about budget cuts, benefit cuts, etc and yet we keep throwing large amounts of money out to move people across country and around the world. This can or cannot have the potential to destabilize families which would cost more money (AER loans, marital counseling, etc) See where I'm going? It's a volunteer force, let us decide where we want to go and when. If the service member is driven enough they can get a diverse assignment history where ever they are with the exception of the actual geographical location.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 15 at 2014 11:43 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 15 Jun 2014 11:43:58 -0400

I am actually kind of torn on this one, I was stuck at FT. Hood for almost 7 years (it was my first assignment) due to the Army experimenting with "Unit Life cycle". I and several other young soldiers tried desperately to get out but could not until after my 3rd deployment branch realized we were all stuck there and we all came down on orders at once. I think that especially early in your career it is very important to move around every 2-3 years, but as a older soldier now I see the appeal; especially for people with families of having some stability. I think it should be a case by case thing and i think that every soldier needs to be discussing this with their branch manager for what is best for them and their families. I know several people who due to EFMP have been at one duty station for 10+ years.

Response by MAJ Ronnie Reams made Jul 28 at 2021 12:22 PM

MAJ Ronnie Reams — Wed, 28 Jul 2021 12:22:15 -0400

used to be you could get friendly with NCO of post levy branch and not get moved. We called it homesteading. Had soldiers spend 15 years plus at same post. On the flip side when a levy came down for a post you wanted you could have him, not many WACs NCOIC of levy, move you. He seldom had to buy himself drinks at NCO club. LOL