Constant re-location?

Question

How often can you be moved when in the military? What about when it comes to buying a home - how do you if you're constantly being moved?

Answer 1

You can be moved as often as every couple years, but a lot depends on the soldier's MOS. I knew one family that bought a house, but ended up renting it out when they were re-stationed (they tried to sell, but the market wasn't strong at the time). I grew up in a military family, and we waited to purchase when my parent retired. As always, it is a very individual experience.

I would suggest you sit down and make a plan.
~Are you (or your spouse) planning to retire from the miltary?
~If not, how long do you intend to stay active duty?
~Are you stationed in an area where you want to stay?
~Are you prepared to sell or rent when you are re-stationed?
~What, if any housing allowance do you receive?
~Weigh the benefits of home ownership against the responsibilties. If you are strictly wanting the investment potential, look into other investment strategies that will allow you to save for a house upon departure from military service.
ETC.
I hope this helps, and I wish you luck.

P.S. Studbolt Slickrock, what you said is so true. Every move we had something damaged or lost (one time we moved an octagonal aquarium; they broke every side but one...LMAO)

Answer 2

These days, the U.S. Military is trying to keep from sending folks to bases far away. It just isn't cost effective. Unfortunately, the every 2 year transfer does happen. There is no easy answer. Old shipmate of mine was stationed at NAS Jacksonville, Fl and for his last 2 years (E-8) he was sent to NAS Oceana, Va. The guy he relieved was sent to NAS Jax (not the same squadron). He was TICKED! His family stayed in Fl for his tour. I've been fortunate. I was stationed in Va Beach and got transferred to Japan for 3 1/2 years. Then my wife 'came home' for a year while I was in Antarctica, then we went to Sardinia for 3 1/2 years. The remainder of my time in the Navy was spent in s.e. va (with one year being deployed in the middle east ...unaccompanied). I was on 2 ships and 2 shore stations with my family here. We bought our home 2 years before I retired. My father-in-law came to s.e. va in 1954, had been around the world 2 times on different ships but never was stationed outside of s.e. va. Those are not the norm. Talk to other military wives about their experiences. It's not easy, and it takes a special woman to be a military wife! Blessings!

Answer 3

That depends on which branch of service and what is your career field.

In the Air Force, you could most likely stay in one location for 4 to 6 years.

Also, it depends on your "dream sheet" (base of preferences), and if you are single or married.

In nine years of active Air Force, I relocated (PCS) to only three bases. If I had not volunteered to go overseas, I could have stayed at my first base for nine years.

My best-friend was at the same base for 13 years, but he volunteered for 3 to 4 months rotations to the Middle-East.

Answer 4

You'll move about every 4 to 5 years.

That's part of the reason I joined the Guard. I like where I'm living and didn't want to move.

Answer 5

Good rule of thumb to remember: five military moves equals one house fire. You will lose or have damaged stuff if you don't stay on top of the movers.