DoD reviewing policy on permanent change of station

The U.S. Department of Defense announced May 29 CHamoru Standard time it is reviewing the policy on permanent changes of station.

CNMI Gov. Arnold I. Palacios presents Rear Adm. Gregory C. Huffman with an exceptional service award during a Joint Task Force Micronesia change of command ceremony at Marine Corps Base Camp Blaz on May 15. Photo by Skyler Obispo

DoD said in the release it has directed “the Military Departments to consider ways to reduce the frequency of permanent change of station … moves while continuing to accomplish the mission.”

Though PCS moves play an important role in developing military and civilian personnel and meeting mission requirements, they cost the DoD $5 billion annually and have numerous impacts on military families, the release said.

A deadline comes with the initiative.

DoD said, “the Military Departments have 120 days to develop proposals to gradually reduce discretionary move budgets and reduce overall PCS frequency for military and civilian personnel. They will also reexamine their career development models for commissioned and noncommissioned officers to promote geographic stability.”

The frequency of military PCS moves was a topic of discussion at the May 15 Change of Command of Rear Adm. Gregory C. Huffman, outgoing commander of Joint Task Force-Micronesia.

In recognition of the relationships developed, both Gov. Lourdes A. Leon Guerrero and Gov. Arnold I. Palacios spoke at the ceremony and presented Huffman with awards.

Leon Guerrero said at the event that in her time as governor she will have “adjusted” to five admirals in Guam and said she had asked DoD for three or for four-year rotations.

Guam Gov. Lourdes A. Leon Guerrero presents Rear Adm. Gregory C. Huffman with a Maga’haga Award during a Joint Task Force Micronesia change of command ceremony at Marine Corps Base Camp Blaz on May 15. Photo by Skyler Obispo.

Despite career progression, both Huffman and Rear Adm. Brent DeVore, outgoing commander of Joint Region Marianas; expressed regret at leaving Guam in an exclusive Journal interview: DeVore, Huffman take experiences and memories to new commands

In related news, DoD announced the same day that as of May 23, it was ending the weekly requirement for DoD civilian employees to detail what they did in the previous week, a requirement begun in February, according to Journal files, with a last submission on May 28.

The initiative had “provided leaders and supervisors with additional insights into their employees' contributions, fostered accountability, and helped to identify opportunities for greater efficiency and effectiveness throughout the department,” the release said.

DoD is asking employees to “share in their final submission one concrete idea to enhance efficiency or root out waste,” the release said. mbj