What was the longest you've been at a duty station?

2018-04-12T13:10:00-04:00

I have been at my first duty station for 5+ years now, and I have been actively trying to PCS. I have vol'd for Korea for the past 8 cycles, and have vol'd for 3 deployments, have gone on none. I have PCA'd twice now though, however I was told that would not restart my ToS. Any tips or help would be greatly appreciated.

Response by SPC Margaret Higgins made Apr 12 at 2018 1:11 PM

2018-04-12T13:11:53-04:00

Two years.

Response by Maj Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 12 at 2018 1:13 PM

2018-04-12T13:13:04-04:00

Longest for me was almost three years at JBLE. Like, 32 months...

Response by Lt Col Jim Coe made Apr 12 at 2018 1:21 PM

2018-04-12T13:21:46-04:00

I can think of several service members who would like to be at one place for more than two years. All but one of my assignments were 4 years; the other, 3. Have you considered cross training to a different AFSC?

Response by MSgt Richard Randall made Apr 12 at 2018 1:33 PM

2018-04-12T13:33:29-04:00

Minot AFB, ND, 71 through 74 (3 years)
Vandenberg AFB, CA, 74 – 82 (8 years)
Minot AFB, ND, 82 – 91 (9 years)
Did have preliminary orders to AFLC, Hill AFB, UT in 1990 but Mr. Hussein took care of that.
It ain’t like Uncle Sugar has Minuteman ICBM’s scattered all over the world.
*Did spent almost a year at shnoot (Chanute AFB, Il) for training, 70 – 71

Response by SPC David Willis made Apr 12 at 2018 1:34 PM

2018-04-12T13:34:57-04:00

I was at Ft. Hood for 4 1/4 years, but had 2 deployments in that time so it was broken up ok.

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 12 at 2018 1:42 PM

2018-04-12T13:42:56-04:00

I was stuck st Fairchild for 9 years. It was known as the black hole of the AF

Response by TSgt Joshua Copeland made Apr 12 at 2018 2:34 PM

2018-04-12T14:34:37-04:00

12 years (8 years at my first base)

Response by SFC Dennis A. made Apr 12 at 2018 2:35 PM

2018-04-12T14:35:50-04:00

My last assignment was 4 1/2 years.

Response by Capt Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 12 at 2018 2:41 PM

2018-04-12T14:41:30-04:00

I was at my last active duty base from Nov 1969 to May 1975.

Response by SGT Joseph Gunderson made Apr 12 at 2018 2:44 PM

2018-04-12T14:44:04-04:00

I spent approximately 4.5 years at Fort Hood, Texas. I deployed twice out of there for a year a piece, but my home station was Hood.

Response by SSgt Dan Montague made Apr 12 at 2018 2:48 PM

2018-04-12T14:48:01-04:00

My first unit was G 2/11. I was there for 6 years 3 months

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 12 at 2018 2:49 PM

2018-04-12T14:49:06-04:00

I did my last 7 years in Michigan. I switched to the guard to stay.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 12 at 2018 3:06 PM

2018-04-12T15:06:12-04:00

4 1/2 years at my first duty station. 27 months of that I was deployed to Iraq though.

There were people in that unit who were there 7 years. In my last unit people had been there 7 years too.

Response by SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth made Apr 12 at 2018 3:12 PM

2018-04-12T15:12:30-04:00

Spent 24 yrs with the same Armory.

Response by SGT Morrison (Mike) Hogwood made Apr 12 at 2018 3:22 PM

2018-04-12T15:22:12-04:00

I spent 7 years at Aberdeen Proving Ground,I almost became a civilian,we had 10 military and 35 civilians working in our Dental Clinic,I did a 1year deployment to the Sinai with the MFO in the middle of APG tour but came back.

Response by COL Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 12 at 2018 4:54 PM

2018-04-12T16:54:36-04:00

I’ve been stationed in DC area since 2001. One year I was in three different posts in the same year. A tip for getting PCSed out. Start doing a crappy job. Usually if you do good work they keep you around.

Response by SGM Bill Frazer made Apr 12 at 2018 5:08 PM

2018-04-12T17:08:32-04:00

14+ years same regiment in 82nd- different battalions and regimental HQ- different staff and troop positions.

Response by SGT Tony Clifford made Apr 12 at 2018 6:35 PM

2018-04-12T18:35:51-04:00

I was stationed at Lewis for 7 years. They only move people where they need them. Your personal feelings don't matter to uncle Sam. I don't know if the air force does this, but if you want to pcs try re-enlisting to pcs or talk to branch.

Response by CPO Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 12 at 2018 8:11 PM

2018-04-12T20:11:42-04:00

My First Tour was 4 Years in Norfolk with two 7 Month Deployments, My sec tour was a Year in England and two Years in Germany, then another 3 Years in Norfolk, with 2 more 7 Month Deployments, then on to Charleston SC for 3 years working with you zoomies (you all crack me up just saying) I'm now back in Norfolk for another 3 years and Expect to deploy twice per what the Ship I'm attached to is scheduled for. Who knows where I will go after that.. But I'm betting it will both suck and be a blast. Welcome to the Military!!!

Response by PO1 Gery Bastiani made Apr 12 at 2018 9:34 PM

2018-04-12T21:34:14-04:00

If you were in the Navy our rotation was 4 yrs sea duty 2 yrs shore duty until you made PO1/E6 then it was 3 and 3.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 13 at 2018 12:37 AM

2018-04-13T00:37:45-04:00

1 year and 8 months, Fort Bragg

Response by SrA Chris Livingston made Apr 13 at 2018 4:28 PM

2018-04-13T16:28:54-04:00

In the 80's. You would end up getting overseas orders after a year or two in the states . Only way to stay in U.S. was put in for a 5yr controlled assignment at a northern tier SAC base. Yes, i said SAC. Few wanted to stay at those bases unless limited by skill.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 13 at 2018 4:52 PM

2018-04-13T16:52:44-04:00

My son was at a base for 7 years

Response by Regina Heimer Bezdek made Apr 13 at 2018 5:04 PM

2018-04-13T17:04:57-04:00

My husband and I stayed at Fort Carson for 12 yrs

Response by SSgt M B made Apr 13 at 2018 5:07 PM

2018-04-13T17:07:09-04:00

I was stuck at Altus AFB for 10 years. TEN. YEARS. Volunteered for Korea, world wide remote, everything. The only way I got out of that black hole was to separate. I got my soul back when I left.

Response by TSgt George Rodriguez made Apr 13 at 2018 5:40 PM

2018-04-13T17:40:55-04:00

Upon returning from U-Tapao, Thailand I was stationed at Tinker AFB for 11 years After 3 years as NCOIC of Pharmacy services pushing drugs legally I cross trained into the medical field where I became involved in Emergency Medicine and became a certified instructor teaching the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technician program and the American Heart Association Advanced Cardiac Life Support program, training enlisted and base firefighters to the paramedic level and some nurses that wanted to learn. Physicians and nurses in ACLS refresher courses allowing them to maintain their certification. I mainly was initially left here at Tinker due to family stability as my oldest son had an eye motor impairment. My wife loved it here as she was born and raised here in Oklahoma City. Her family was here so it made it an enjoyable tour.

Response by SPC Christopher Combs made Apr 13 at 2018 6:16 PM

2018-04-13T18:16:03-04:00

Had a 1SG who spent 22 years at Ft Drum started, he moved from unit to unit since he was a commo guy. I asked him before I left if he ever regretted spending all his time at Drum, he said not many people can have children and have them spend the first 18 years of their life at one place when a parent is in the military. He said that he wouldn’t change a thing since it never seemed to hamper his career. Far as I know he retired and still loves in that area around Drum.

Response by 1st Lt Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 13 at 2018 10:28 PM

2018-04-13T22:28:59-04:00

A SMSgt I work with has been at JB MDL for 20+ years, working KC-10s or teaching it.
But it looks like the AF is changing its assignment process for all enlisted members. Soon, job openings for your career field will be posted quarterly and you can apply for that position, thus increasing your chances to PCS and fill that position. It's similar to the system we officers use in the AF

Response by PO1 William "Chip" Nagel made Apr 13 at 2018 10:43 PM

2018-04-13T22:43:07-04:00

TSgt Private RallyPoint Member As a Cryptologic Technician, Normal Rotation was 2 Years for Single Guys and 3 Years for Married at Most Locations. Having Said that I Managed to Spend 4 Years at NSGD Sugar Grove, WV where I Got Married and where My Children were Born. Between 2 Tours on Ships out of Bremerton I was Homeported There for Over 5 Years. 3 Years in London and DC were Great and two 1 Year Tours at Adak and Diego Garcia Rounded Out a 21 Year Career. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lUfLvdq3J9Q

John Denver TAKE ME HOME, WEST VIRGINIA

Response by SSG Trevor S. made Apr 14 at 2018 1:33 AM

2018-04-14T01:33:08-04:00

11 years. To be fair, I was on 5 combat rotations during that time.

Response by TSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 14 at 2018 1:34 AM

2018-04-14T01:34:31-04:00

I've been fairly lucky, personally, but recently got moved to an ACC location. As one of the only three F-15E bases left in the world, entrenchment is a serious issue here. Someone recently made a listing of the longest consecutive TOS people here, top three being:

1. 11 years, 2 Months
2. 10 Years, 6 Months
3. 9 Years 11 Months

Mind you, this is in one section of one squadron, the average TOS is a hair over 6 years. I have had three troops now that separated after their six year contract where this was their first, last, and only base.

One particularly enterprising (unlucky?) individual was born and raised in the town, and has thus far spent 95% of their career here, so has technically been in/around this area for about 25 years total.

Response by PO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 14 at 2018 3:54 PM

2018-04-14T15:54:38-04:00

A guy on my boat has been in Pearl Harbor continuously since about 2007 on various sea/shore duties. The longest time I've seen someone spend in one billet was 6 years; a nuke on my boat. He just kept being extended on board.

Response by SFC David Xanten made Apr 15 at 2018 10:51 PM

2018-04-15T22:51:44-04:00

Moving from one unit to another is good as it broadens your knowledge and makes one a better soldier and better prepares you for leadership positions.

Response by TSgt Melissa Post made Apr 16 at 2018 4:38 PM

2018-04-16T16:38:23-04:00

6 years and counting at Minot afb

Response by LCDR Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 16 at 2018 7:40 PM

2018-04-16T19:40:45-04:00

During most of my career, I spent from 12 months to 24 months in one location. However toward the end of my career, I spent SEVEN WHOLE YEARS at one location, though I had just over two years at one command and nearly five years at the second.

Response by SFC Charles E Hightower made Apr 19 at 2018 1:00 AM

2018-04-19T01:00:30-04:00

I was station in Korea for Four Years in 2D and love it!!! Dec 1984 to Dec 1988

Response by SSG Julius H. made Apr 19 at 2018 11:17 AM

2018-04-19T11:17:54-04:00

4 1/2 yrs at Fort Hood... haven't been right since

Response by MSG Dan Castaneda made Apr 19 at 2018 11:20 AM

2018-04-19T11:20:23-04:00

I've been stationed at Fort Bragg for 21 straight years. I PCSd here in 1997 and never left.

Response by 1SG Mack Studdard made Apr 21 at 2018 6:48 PM

2018-04-21T18:48:17-04:00

I spent my last eight years at Ft Campbell, it. Never expected it.

Response by TSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 21 at 2018 11:50 PM

2018-04-21T23:50:17-04:00

I spent my first 2 yrs at Malmstrom AFB. Punched the button on AMS and got selected to PCS to the Air Force Academy. Spent the next 7 yrs there and now been in DC almost 5 yrs.

Response by Maj Walter Kilar made May 7 at 2018 8:23 AM

2018-05-07T08:23:44-04:00

In the Air Force, your time on station will be defined by your AFSC, rank, skill level, PME, issues going on throughout your career field, force posture in your career field and throughout the Air Force, and, finally, the AFPC Magic 8-ball.

In my enlisted AFSC, the longest I ever stayed in one place was four years, and I only knew two people in the same AFSC who ever stayed longer (one was ten years and the other had EFMP issues and spent 15 years in place). In my officer career field the longest I spent was 4 years, and I only knew a handful that spent 6 years in place--usually at the end of their career.

My brother and his wife spent 15 and 17 years in one place. They happened to get stuck due to a combination of EFMP, career field changes, and joint spouse assignment.

The ways to get off a base: volunteer world-wide overseas, volunteer for special duty, or have your unit leadership contact AFPC. In some cases you cannot get out of an assignment, but usually that is because of a confluence of circumstances. For a 3D0X2 at Scott AFB, it can be due to your clearance + AFSC turmoil + MAJCOM shuffle (AFCYBER moving from AFSPC to ACC, but Scott AFB has always been stuck in the middle).

Response by TSgt Kevin Weilacher made May 8 at 2018 7:31 AM

2018-05-08T07:31:36-04:00

Patrick AFB, FL for 10 years........
Arrived there as a sheet metal troop......went into Recruiting and there was an opening in the recruiting office in Melbourne so I took it. Squadron headquarters was at Patrick so that is where I was assigned.
Retired from there after 4 years in sheet metal and 6 years in recruiting.

Response by SGT Jack Stevens made May 9 at 2018 12:58 PM

2018-05-09T12:58:13-04:00

Keep contacting your branch manager. I was stationed at ft Hood for 5 years, and had to eventually ets, went age with the txarng for 3, then went back on active duty after that.

Response by SSgt William Robinson made May 10 at 2018 10:54 PM

2018-05-10T22:54:34-04:00

USAF Security Forces Combat Veteran stationed at JBSA Randolph, TX for 10 years, 2003-2013 with 4x Combat Tours OIF OEF OND medically released through AFW2 into transition assistance

William Robinson
USAF/SF, 3P071
WWP Alumni

Response by CMSgt Ernest Walker made May 14 at 2018 5:37 PM

2018-05-14T17:37:56-04:00

I was in the Air Force from 1961 until 1991. In my 30 years my longest tour was at the Air Force Academy from 1968-1973. I was assigned to Barksdale three different times for a total of six years.

Response by PO2 Michael Palimeri made May 14 at 2018 11:19 PM

2018-05-14T23:19:24-04:00

USE Boulder , LST-1190 December 79 - May 1984 . That was a long stint !

Response by SCPO Private RallyPoint Member made May 17 at 2018 12:45 PM

2018-05-17T12:45:42-04:00

Three years

Response by SPC Rodger Bell made May 18 at 2018 5:43 AM

2018-05-18T05:43:57-04:00

2.5 years Fort Irwin Ca NTC

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 18 at 2018 12:23 PM

2018-05-18T12:23:35-04:00

14 years in single reserve unit, however my last deployment while assigned there was 6 years 14 days at FT Hood attached to the 1Army Mob Brigade

Response by SSgt Chris Loomis made May 20 at 2018 7:06 PM

2018-05-20T19:06:03-04:00

Minot AFB March 1984-Sept 1992 Missile security until feb 1990, then CE til I left

Response by MSgt Alejandro Hernandez (RETIRED) made May 21 at 2018 1:55 PM

2018-05-21T13:55:31-04:00

Talk to your leadership about career development and how you are hindered. Thats if you truly wish to leave, which I am pretty sure you do. 5+ years is too long to be in one place. You do have to understand though that the AF needs come first. However, PCS are designed to draw in new talent and prevents stagnation. Which in the long run will enhance overall mission readiness. I feel bad for you really. Go up the chain of course. Whats your AFSC...wait.... I see you are a 3D0X2. I was a 3D171. There should be plenty of places you can go. Are you looking to go stateside?...shit Im surprised Scott AFB hasn't picked you up. The 3D functional I think is CMSgt Lee Thule (was my old Sq Chief at 375 Comm) over at Scott AFB he might be able to help. But use your chain of command of course. They are about to bring another Cyber Command from what Ive been told. Have you talked with you supervisor? You might not get Korea considering what has gone on recently those assignments are iffy now. Hope this helps.

Response by MSgt Alejandro Hernandez (RETIRED) made May 21 at 2018 2:06 PM

2018-05-21T14:06:05-04:00

3 years. One at Yokota AB and one at Scott AFB. I PCS'd eleven times in 22 years. T

Response by SFC Mamerto Perez made May 22 at 2018 8:06 AM

2018-05-22T08:06:54-04:00

23 months in HAAF, GA then got out and got new Korea

Response by SGT John Meredith made May 27 at 2018 1:59 AM

2018-05-27T01:59:44-04:00

My longest time at one duty station was at Fort Ord,Calif. I was an instructor on the nightfire range and the zero in range. I was there for a hair over 3 years.

Response by Oliver Raglin made May 27 at 2018 2:47 PM

2018-05-27T14:47:24-04:00

Well I was station at Ft. Riley for 13 straight years . I went from one unit to a different unit. I was with 1/5 FA then with to 1/34 AM then to 1st bdg. I came to Riley with 8 years and the servers and in up retiring there.

Response by SN Thomas Dethloff made May 31 at 2018 8:05 AM

2018-05-31T08:05:40-04:00

3 years on the USS JACK SSN605

Response by MSgt Thomas Harriss made Jun 1 at 2018 4:35 AM

2018-06-01T04:35:18-04:00

Basically spent 10 years at Minot AFB and another 10 at Grissom AFB, TDY's and a remote to SEA included...

Response by SSG Mark Lawless made Jun 1 at 2018 9:10 AM

2018-06-01T09:10:48-04:00

My longest tours were 2 years in Fulda Germany and 2 years in Fort Irwin California, the NTC.

Response by TSgt Jim Brown made Jun 5 at 2018 8:08 PM

2018-06-05T20:08:09-04:00

5 yrs, at Yokota AB, Japan. Shortest was 3mos at Niagra Falls Intl. Airport, 3mos at Richard Gebaur AFB, MO and 3 mos at Naha AB, Okinawa. 30 Yrs at Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio as Civil Service.

Response by TSgt Gwen Walcott made Jun 8 at 2018 8:54 AM

2018-06-08T08:54:18-04:00

Counting multiple PCSs: Offutt.... maybe 6 years on and off.
Second longest: Kadena ... 3 years

Response by MSG Kevin Elliott made Jun 9 at 2018 5:38 PM

2018-06-09T17:38:04-04:00

My longest was 5 years at Ft. Lewis. At that time, if you submitted any paperwork, you came down with orders to Korea. I waited until I had to reenlist and went back to Germany.
My shortest, was also at Ft. Lewis, 9 months and then BRAC move to Ft. Polk.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 15 at 2018 12:06 PM

2018-06-15T12:06:35-04:00

9 years at Fort Bragg NC

Response by SGT Dannie T. McLaughlin made Jun 19 at 2018 8:47 PM

2018-06-19T20:47:03-04:00

I was assigned to one duty station for 4 year after AIT including deployment to Desert Shield/Desert Storm

Response by CPO John Krawczyk made Jun 21 at 2018 2:31 PM

2018-06-21T14:31:37-04:00

Did 4 separate tours at Naval Hospital Portsmouth Virginia 1975-1982, 1984-1987 and 1994-1998, a total of 14 years.

Response by MSgt Dale Johnson made Jul 1 at 2018 10:24 AM

2018-07-01T10:24:03-04:00

My last duty station was Barksdale AFB in La, was there 6 years. In the prior 17 years I was at 9 different PCS locations not counting Basic Training. I joined because #1 I wanted to see something other than home and #2 basically won the draft lottery the year I graduated High School so decided to enlist to try to get a better job. I got my first wish for sure, since joining the Air Force have been in every state except Maine (on my Bucket List) and been to England, Germany, Iceland, Thailand, Phillipines, Guam, Japan, Korea, and Wake Island. I count myself as being very fortunate.

Response by SFC Charles Woods made Jul 1 at 2018 6:01 PM

2018-07-01T18:01:05-04:00

About 5 years at Fort Leonard Wood MO.

Response by SFC Victor Castillo made Jul 3 at 2018 3:38 AM

2018-07-03T03:38:56-04:00

I was at Ft Huachuca since 2007 until my retirement in 2015 as a 15W

Response by MSgt Don Dobbs made Jul 7 at 2018 2:32 PM

2018-07-07T14:32:06-04:00

Assigned as an MTI at Lackland AFB Dec 1974, Left Lackland March 1985.

Response by SFC Charles E Hightower made Oct 14 at 2018 2:00 AM

2018-10-14T02:00:52-04:00

I was station in Korea 2d for four yeas Dec 84 to Dec 88 and love it!!!

Response by MSG Dan Castaneda made Aug 25 at 2019 12:40 PM

2019-08-25T12:40:57-04:00

I’ve been stationed at Fort Bragg for 22 straight years.

Response by SFC Melvin Brandenburg made Feb 24 at 2021 11:06 AM

2021-02-24T11:06:57-05:00

So far, I'm posted at Fort Living Room for the past 16 years.

Response by MSgt Don VandeBogert made Feb 24 at 2021 8:56 PM

2021-02-24T20:56:27-05:00

A whopping 4 years at 2 seperate duty assignments, both overseas long accompanied.

For the OP, 5 years isn't really a long time. The problem your facing is really two fold. Needs of the Air Force and manning (your rank/skill level versus a locations requirments). Make sure your not asking for or looking at locations that have projected inbounds, no vacancies, no authorization (your rank/skill level), and be patient. The assignment fairies won't forget about you forever.

Good luck.

V/R
Bogie

Response by Lt Col Charlie Brown made Apr 18 at 2021 9:34 AM

2021-04-18T09:34:47-04:00

Just under four years because my wing commander asked me to stay and I volunteered.

Response by SFC Clark Adams made Dec 9 at 2023 4:58 PM

2023-12-09T16:58:08-05:00

Four years at the Presidio of San Francisco!