Expert: Cynthia Bedell - 3/21/2008

Question
My step son is in the navy a nuke hey has been on active duty for 6 years now has re enlisted twice had a good position bought a home of base doing a good job he is now being force transferred to another base witch is close enough that the navy will not relocate him but is far enough to make it unreasonable to commute. Not that he is being transferred to Russian front but about as close as it gets so I am told.  My question is what is a forced transfer, why, and does he have any options. He was such a hard worker very pro Navy now this has knocked the wind out of his sales and he is so depressed I am 1st concerned for his safety 2nd he may do something dumb to get out of the navy.
Poor guy felt like he was serving his country and making a career now feels like he is in jail because he tried. We need advice even if you could just direct us to some one who can thank you.


Answer
Dear John --

The military policy is that a service member stays on station no more than 3 years.  You will find that sometimes a service member stays on station for up to six years.  They do this by taking back-to-back jobs in the same region but in different commands, so they get credit for a "move" without actually moving.

It is unfortunate that many service members become comfortable in one location, and expect to stay there.  That is not possible.  I do not know the details of your son's transfer.  However, any transfer should include authority for a permanent change of station (PCS) move.  Unless your son is single, and required to live on shipboard, the Navy should pay to move his household goods to a new house or apartment.  However, unless his current base is being closed, there is no program to assist him in selling his current house.

If you let me know more details of his transfer, and marital situation, I might be able to give you more information on his options and restrictions.

I wish him the best of luck, his service is important, and I'd like to help him resolve his current issues.