The Navy has said that Congress' annual delay in passing a budget will likely cause problems with Sailors expecting PCS orders.
Due to the way resources are phased and allocated under a continuing resolution, the Navy currently does not have sufficient funds in their manpower accounts to allow for normal three to four month lead times for Sailors' PCS orders, instead Sailors who have not yet received orders will likely have less than two months lead time to plan their move once the orders are released.
"The Navy fully realizes that these shortened lead times limit Sailors' time to prepare for moves, and burdens them and their families," said Chief of Naval Personnel, VADM Robert Burke. "Going forward, we remain committed to providing Sailors with as much information and lead time as we can. Our goal remains to mitigate the CR's impact on Sailors and their families, to the best of our ability. We ask for your patience as we work through the funding challenges."
In the past, the Navy has prioritized PCS funding to ensure Fleet readiness and attempt to assist career timing and families. Emphasis will remain on global support assignment rotations, career milestone billets, critical readiness fills, minimizing gaps at sea for deployed units and those working up to deploy, and keeping the training pipelines moving. Those Sailors who are going to operational units about to deploy, numbered fleet staffs, overseas billets, individual augmentees or must-moves (safety, early return of dependents, humanitarian) will be issued their orders first.
The Navy Personnel Command has said they will continue to issue letters of intent for overseas moves. That way, while orders may not be in hand, individuals can start the process of doing overseas and medical screenings, dependent entry approval, passport applications and security clearance requests.
While other services have not yet told their members to expect problems, historically a continuing resolution can play havoc with PCS moves as well as temporary duty and other personnel funding depending on how long it takes Congress and the President to agree on a budget.
