Fifty Years of Moving Military Families Improved Performance – Happier Families By MG Charlie Fletcher, USA (Ret.)
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he Department of Defense (DOD) Personal Property Program is a steady $2.2 billion annual government spend that directly impacts the quality of life for our service members, DOD civilians, and their families. It is really stressful for any family to uproot from their home, move all of their personal possessions, and reestablish new homes. In fact, moving is a top stressor right behind the loss of a spouse and divorce. The Department’s quest to improve the overall household goods move process for moving military families has spanned 50 years and continues to evolve. In 1965, management of DOD household goods movements was consolidated under the Army’s Military Traffic Management and Terminal Service (the forerunner to today’s Military Surface Deployment and Distribution Command [SDDC]). The command’s task was to improve service by standardizing procedures, consolidating movement information, and ensuring carrier performance. Among its first challenges was developing and integrating 15 automated systems at a time before the advent of personal computers and sophisticated data management systems. The automation path was arduous, time consuming, and was often speared by budget constraints and higher priorities. Despite the challenges, leaders stayed the course and I think most readers will agree the long, enduring journey is paying dividends now. My own experience in military moves started as the infant son of a career Army Officer moving to Germany (don’t remember much) and progressed
