WASHINGTON –
The Army is significantly reducing scheduled Permanent Change of Station moves — cutting more than 12,000 relocations in FY26 and over 13,600 in FY27.
Driven by targeted Human Resource Continuous Transformation initiatives, this shift will keep warfighting formations intact longer. By stabilizing these units, the Army aims to build more lethal, cohesive teams, boost overall readiness, and provide much-needed predictability for Soldiers and their families.
“Our intentions with the HR Continuous Transformation initiative are to change the system to be for a more adaptive and agile approach to HR. This includes introducing incentives for stabilization to reduce unnecessary moves that ultimately increases our warfighting capabilities,” stated Brig. Gen. Gregory Johnson, Director of Military Personnel Management, Headquarters Department of the Army G1.
Soldiers are presented with two options to assist their decision to stabilize. The Stabilization Retention Option, which enabled approximately 6,200 Soldiers to remain at their duty station in fiscal year 2025, gives Soldiers more control over their careers.
The Army is also prioritizing family needs with its popular High School Stabilization program. Having benefited approximately 4,000 Soldiers in the past year, this program allows families to stay at one duty station through a child’s senior year.
Human Resource Continuous Transformation is an effort to review all processes to include the systems that have traditionally required frequent permanent change of station moves.
The Army is undertaking a broad review of Professional Military Education including the Captains Career Course and Intermediate Level Education to find ways to reduce PCS requirements. The effort emphasizes expanding distance learning options and using temporary duty and return attendance models so Soldiers can complete these courses without having to relocate. This shift is extending to other training programs as well. By stabilizing Soldiers for two years while they attend these courses, the Army has already avoided more than 5,000 school‑related PCS moves in fiscal year 2025.
Pilots like the Armor Crewman MOS (19K) stabilization at Fort Riley and Fort Bliss offer bonuses for tankers to remain at their current location. Programs for company-grade officers, like the Company Grade Retention Incentive Program and warrant officers through their Warrant Officer Retention & Excellence Program provide similar options to reduce mid-tour churn.
“The goal of our strategy is to solve one of the biggest challenges to readiness and retention, which is instability,” stated Sgt. Maj. Enrique Rose, Senior Army Career Counselor, Army G-1. “The efforts focus on empowering Soldiers to choose what is best for their families while not compromising readiness.”
By eliminating some PCS moves to facilitate stability, team development, and readiness, the Army is signaling a clear commitment to its people without compromising lethality. This is more than a cost-saving measure, it is a direct investment in the well-being of the force. The Army is building a more modern, people-focused personnel system where Soldiers can build expertise, and families can plant deeper roots.