You’re right, it’s definitely tough on kids and families, especially as they get into Middle School and High School.
Most military kids do grow up to be confident and able to adapt to many challenges as adults. But that strength is earned through childhood difficult situations.

I agree. I’ve never been in the military but worked at MCAS Cherry Point. Saw it a few times specifically from my sons Scout Troop. I could not see moving my kids every few years and breaking up friendships and never feeling rooted. My kids have moved with us 6 times in 14 years but most were when they were young. Our last move was only 10 minutes away but new school and school district and friends took some adjusting. Will not move for at least another 5 years so that they can finish high school with friends.
I’ve made many relationships over the years and while I appreciated them at the time it makes me sad because I don’t see those people anymore. Something can be said about pre 20th century life.
I cannot see forcing your kids to move every few years. That is a good way to ruin them emotionally and socially.

Thank you for reading! Yes, the frequent moves absolutely affect retention and recruitment, because it is such a heavy and unnecessary burden in modern culture, where so many companies provide the option to work from home. Why sign up for a career with such a heavy negative family impact, when there are other career and education options out there?

Yes, it’s one of the worst parts of military life, and it’s hard on the whole family if you have a spouse or children. It seems like such an old-fashioned and expensive practice, and I keep waiting for the DoD to realize that and adjust to fewer PCS moves on average. Not holding my breath, haha.

Well, I wrote this article in 2016, so at the time I cited the GAO article linked in the post. https://www.militarytimes.com/2015/09/12/pcs-costs-rising-across-the-force-even-as-moves-decline/
When I looked, I could not find similar updated stats. Here is the 2025 DoD Budget Overview, but it looks like PCS funds are spread over a 2-year cycle, and I don’t see a specific listing of PCS funds. The only mention of PCS is on page 14 here: https://comptroller.defense.gov/Portals/45/Documents/defbudget/FY2025/FY2025_Budget_Request_Overview_Book.pdf

I just want to say thank you for this article and thank you for approving my post. I read it a while ago but have waited a long time to leave a comment. I just want other people who have had a similar experience to me as a result of moving as a military child to know they aren’t alone and it’s okay to feel the way they do. I hope the military can take the mental health of children and spouses into account in the future. Thank you letting me share my experience.

That is so difficult. Some military kids have good experiences, but many–like you– find the constant moves extremely difficult and destabilizing. Thank you for sharing so others won’t feel alone.