What is the most difficult aspect when moving from one duty station to another (Or PCS'ing as we might call it in the Army)

2013-09-18T14:07:07-04:00

Everyone knows there are a lot of small and large challenges associated with each move in the military. Which of these challenges is the most significant, and if you can offer it up, why is this aspect so demanding?

Response by SFC James Baber made Dec 17 at 2013 10:03 PM

2013-12-17T22:03:47-05:00

Ben,

I am quite surprised that no one ever responded to this post as I know almost everyone that has been in the military has had at least one bad experience while making a military move.

Where to begin though: I would think the number 1 headache for anyone is the transportation piece for your household goods, there is always going to be things either broken or lost, no ifs ands or buts, it always happens, in 27 years of military life and 11+ moves during that time, I never once had a clean move without something being broken, and the lost items I could fill a medium sized bedroom with.

Orders and the proper verbiage on them is another issue, such as dependents, right # of dependents. Selling old house or closing out govt. quarters is a big issue at times.

There are so many that it would take hours to list all the minute ones that exist, but I think I hit on the major one for most people and a few other choice ones as well.

Maybe I can bump this topic up so it can get some positive feedback for you.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 19 at 2014 11:46 AM

2014-01-19T11:46:30-05:00

Sir,

The greatest challenge for me is withdrawing my children and moving them from all they know. My last move put my teenager in a place where the kids were mean and she didn't get in a grove for a few months. So if I could change anything about PCSing it would be only that portion.

Response by CSM Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 19 at 2014 11:47 AM

2014-01-19T11:47:07-05:00

I always found my first day reporting in the most stressful to me. Even as a seasoned soldier I still get butterflies in my stomach with the fear of some grouchy CSM jumping over his desk and knife handing me to death!