Military Personnel: Longer Time Between Moves Related to Higher Satisfaction and Retention
Abstract
Periodic relocations are a basic fact of military life. The Department of Defense (DOD) reports that every year, about one-third of all military members make permanent change of station (PCS) moves. In addition, such moves may involve the members' dependents and household goods. PCS moves also involve considerable cost to both the government and individual service members. DOD's fiscal year 2001 appropriation for PCS travel expenses was more than $2.8 billion. But, since PCS cost reimbursement is based on what property a member was authorized to move and weight allowances that vary by grade and dependents, not all relocation and moving costs incurred by military personnel and their families are necessarily covered by the government. According to DOD, mid-grade and senior noncommissioned officers (enlisted personnel in grades E-5 to E-9) average more than $1,000 in nonreimbursable expenses each time they move. Among officers, members' out-of-pocket costs are even greater. Your Subcommittee asked us to provide information related to the experience of military personnel regarding permanent change of station moves. We briefed your staff on our findings on May 20, 2001.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Aug 01, 2001
- Accession Number
- ADA392928
Entities
Organizations
- United States Government Accountability Office