The military could have a smaller budget for military moves next year – and that could very well mean you’ll be staying at that duty station a little bit longer.
The budget reduction of 5 percent or $150 million is included in the 2014 National Defense Authorization Act, according to this Army Times story.
That means about 12,500 fewer servicemembers may PCS next year, assuming each military move costs about $12,000 as the story suggests and the budget savings is found only through limiting the number of moves.
While that’s not a considerable dent in the about 300,000 troops and families the article notes move each year, it sure would seem like a big deal if you’re among the people who find they’re staying put – or who are hoping to do so.
While I’m all about “bloom where you are planted,” I’m one of those people who likes moving. I think it’s good for my husband’s career (a whole other topic which the Time’s article does a great job examining). I like seeing new places. I like meeting new people. About every two years – orders or not -- I start cleaning out paperwork, purging belongings and reorganizing boxes. My subconscious is ready to pack up and go.
But not everyone is quite as into it.
Seeing the positive sides of staying at one duty station, or "homesteading" is kind of a no-brainer. One of the major deterrents to spouse employment is frequent moves. There is no question that kids do better when they stay in one place. Making and keeping friends would be much easier for all of us if we didn’t keep having to say good bye to them.
But the downsides are there, too. Sure, spouse employment would be easier if you stayed put – IF you were stationed in a place that had any jobs in your field. Sticking around 29 Palms forever, for example, frankly doesn’t sound good for any spouse’s career.
And, as the Time’s article says, if your servicemember intends to stay military for more than 20 years, his career pretty much depends on gaining a variety of experience at a variety of duty stations.
Liking the idea of not moving anymore is one thing. Liking the idea of staying where you are right this second is another.
The budget cut, which the article says is extremely likely to become law, could combine those two scenarios.
So what do you think? Are you hoping the budget cut means you get to log one more year where you are? Or are you bracing for the worst?
Take our poll and tell us what you think – and then scroll down for the results.
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