Why are service members so dissatisfied with the PCS system?

2014-07-22T09:22:18-04:00

We've had a lot of discussion about whether PCS tours should be longer in order to alleviate hardship on service members. A recent government study found that the top complaint troops have about the PCS system is the frequent moves leads to the loss or decrease of spouse income.

Check out the additional findings below - can you relate to these reasons for dissatisfaction? What do you feel is the biggest problem with the current PCS system?

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 22 at 2014 11:18 AM

2014-07-22T11:18:25-04:00

Can this be found under under the blog area?

Response by Lt Col Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 26 at 2014 1:37 AM

2014-11-26T01:37:38-05:00

How about the hassle of having your stuff packed up by the lowest bidder?
How about the potential loss you take on real estate when you are forced to sell your home based not on market conditions, but military orders?
How about the disruption to your children's lives, as they are taken from their school, activities, and friends and taken to a new area where they don't know anyone?
How about the lack of support from the agencies that are meant to support you (TMO, finance, personnel, billeting)?

Response by SN Jennifer M. made Nov 26 at 2014 1:59 AM

2014-11-26T01:59:37-05:00

My husband and I have been married over 5 years now. I must say that PCS time is a love & hate time. I have had some of my things gone missing and I have had things destroyed. I have a NICE leather recliner that we can't use anymore because the movers stripped out the brackets for the top part of it. We also move every (a little over) 2 years & some change. We were in Virginia Beach for 2 years & 3 months and at Ft Hood for 2 years & 6 months. We loved Va Beach & I was really sad to go. Fort Hood on the other hand I couldn't wait to leave and I was happy to leave since we were coming to Europe. I really really really hope that we are here for at least 4 years. I would love to actually settle a little bit before we go somewhere else. That is one of the reasons as to why we have not bought a house. I am not going to buy a house and then move two years later. This past move was also hard on my oldest. We used to live by my family (4 hours to Houston) since he is very close to my grandmother. I have been able to keep his mind off of it with school and doing other fun activities. I think my Oma will be coming out next summer. I think I will make it a surprise for him. He will be overly thrilled. Also since we got here we have already had to go back to the states once. My husband's little sister passed away suddenly. Luckily an organization paid for all us to fly back to the states.

I do agree with what Lt Col Private RallyPoint Member says but I will add some more for the spouses. Especially being here I wish spouses were assigned a volunteer sponsor as well. I was basically stuck in my TLF day in and day out while my husband was at work. I definitely thinking of going back to the US until he found a house for us. It made me extremely stressed. Plus we had our dogs in the mix and living in stairwell housing (apartments) on the third floor. Imagine me with 2 small kids and 2 dogs going up and down 6 flights of stairs.... not at all fun.

Thankfully we do have the internet to be able to make connections before we actually go there. That is awesome. I can't imagine how it was for my mom. She lived in Saudi Arabia for 5 years. She was not able to research anything since there wasn't internet. My mom is also currently an international relocation consultant for a big firm in Texas. She helps families with EVERYTHING! Why we don't that on our side.. blows my mind. Of course the SM needs assistance but so does the families.

Response by Maj Private RallyPoint Member made May 27 at 2015 1:26 PM

2015-05-27T13:26:36-04:00

These pain points are EXACTLY why a couple other Air Force guys and I started PCSgrades. The DOD does a lousy job of helping out when they ask a family to uproot and move, and the "bro network" and sponsors system doesn't capture all the info you need. We're trying to solve some of the problems like "which schools are best?" or "what neighborhoods should I live in?" or "what realtor is trustworthy?" in DOD locations around CONUS. We're building out this database now and trying to make it what our military brothers and sisters need.... any help or inputs would be really appreciated. The site is PCSgrades.com if anyone wants to take a peak.

Response by Maj Private RallyPoint Member made May 27 at 2015 1:25 PM

2015-05-27T13:25:46-04:00