Earlier in the summer, the Navy announced in official correspondence that Sailors will be issued a Letter of Intent (LOI) that officially announces their Permanent Change of Station (PCS) months earlier than in the past. Sailors will now be able to start the long and often difficult process of moving to a new duty station, including looking into the options for shipping their possessions, looking into housing, and completing all medical and security screenings.
This updates the previous policy, which required sailors to wait for official change of duty orders to take any action regarding their PCS.
Tightened budget means tightened timeline
This announcement brings a sigh of relief to affected sailors and their families. With the impacts of sequestration and budget cuts over the past years, change of duty orders have been funded by the Navy only shortly before a servicemember’s transfer. This meant that families weren’t able to coordinate the shipment of their household goods, take time off to look for housing in their new city, or complete necessary paperwork for security clearances and training.
The responsibility to follow through with the move requirements remains with the Sailor, but this action by the Navy signifies a shift in the priorities of Navy leadership.
Change of duty orders often came just a month of two in advance of a sailor’s departure. This led to last-minute scrambling for servicemembers and their families, amid the already stress-filled task of turning over responsibilities in their current role. Needless to say, this impacted the operational readiness of units and Sailors.
New policy for new times
With LOIs in effect beginning in July 2017, most Sailors will be able to take care of logistics details related to their transfer up to six months to a year in advance of their move. Sailors impacted by temporary assignments, changes of home port at their current position, retirement or separation, and a few other special circumstances will continue to operate under their own previously stated guidelines and timelines and will not receive LOIs.
It is worth noting that actual moves will still need funded orders, paperwork that is still only coming to Sailors a month or two before their move. This requires them to wait to get plane tickets booked, ship their vehicles, or get advances or reimbursements for moving expenses. LOIs do a lot to help servicemembers with frequent moves but do not fix the problem of last-minute funding and budget issues.
Navy leadership prioritizes people
The responsibility to follow through with the move requirements remains with the Sailor, but this action by the Navy signifies a shift in the priorities of Navy leadership. The Chief of Naval Operations, Adm. John Richardson, and Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy, Stephen S. Giordano, are strong presences at events that support Navy personnel and the evolving future of the US Navy. From being front-row supporters at August’s 2017 Warrior Games where wounded warriors competed in adaptive sports to changing policy based on questions and suggestions made at an All Hands call in June, the Navy’s leaders are listening to Sailors and responding to their needs.
In his speech upon assuming command as the Chief of Naval Operations in September 2015, Adm. Richardson stated “the heart and soul of the Navy is you, our people. Every day around the world, you can be found on, under, and over the sea. You are smart, resourceful, committed Americans who want to be part of something special—to serve our country and to be part of a high-performing team.” The addition of LOIs marks the latest action taken to improve the quality of life for Sailors and their families.
The Navy’s guidance on the implementation of LOIs can be found in the official message NAVADMIN 159/17, available online at www.public.navy.mil/bupers-nps/reference/messages.
