A working group of U.S. Army noncommissioned officers is evaluating the potential for soldiers at large installations to remain in their positions for longer periods, rather than the typical three-year rotation. This initiative aims to enhance stability for military families and reduce the financial burden associated with frequent relocations. The Pentagon has called for all military branches to reassess the frequency of moves as part of an effort to save costs and improve the quality of life for service members.
During a forum on October 14, 2023, at the annual meeting of the Association of the U.S. Army in Washington D.C., Sergeant Major of the Army Michael Weimer highlighted the specific military occupational specialties (MOS) that could benefit from longer assignments. He noted that some MOSs are under-resourced, complicating the Army’s ability to meet global demands. “We can literally go on our touchscreen dashboards in our office right now. We know the strength of every single MOS in the Army,” Weimer stated. He acknowledged the challenges in implementing changes for everyone but emphasized the Army’s commitment to exploring options for longer stays at certain installations.
The issue of frequent relocations was brought to the forefront when an audience member asked senior leaders about the necessity of moving soldiers for similar job roles. Army Chief of Staff Gen. Randy George and Secretary of the Army Dan Driscoll joined Weimer in addressing this concern, indicating that various factors, including the needs of families in the Exceptional Family Member Program and dual military couples, complicate the situation. “It’s one of the hardest equations we have,” Weimer admitted, expressing the Army’s intent to find solutions that would allow soldiers to spend more time at their posts.
George added that the Army is also considering the overall time soldiers spend away from home, which includes temporary assignments and training. “I think there’s a lot of things we can do…as far as updating skills and training, to reduce TDY,” he explained. He pointed out that reducing the number of temporary duty assignments could also help manage the Army’s budget, which currently allocates approximately $5 billion annually for soldier relocations, including household goods movement and related allowances.
In May 2023, Pentagon officials issued a directive requiring military branches to halve their relocation expenditures by fiscal 2030. George mentioned that while some movements are necessary, particularly for roles like drill sergeants and recruiters, the Army aims to minimize unnecessary relocations wherever possible. “There’s going to be a certain amount of moving, and I think it’s going to depend on the MOS,” he said.
Driscoll assured attendees that the working group is dedicated to addressing these concerns and is not merely a bureaucratic response. He emphasized that Weimer and George “care deeply about these topics” and are committed to making meaningful changes that will enhance stability for military families. “What that means is a bunch of really passionate leaders who want to try to make your lives better and want to try to make families more stable,” Driscoll concluded.
As the Army continues to explore these options, the potential for reduced relocations could significantly impact the lives of service members and their families, fostering a more stable environment amid the demands of military life.
