Managing Homesteading in the USMC

Abstract

Talent Management 2030, which was released in 2021, proposed a number of nonmonetary incentives to retain the “best” Marines and maintain the force. Within those proposed incentives, reducing the frequency of permanent change of station (PCS) moves, or “homesteading,” was declared to be no longer a negative practice but a way to reduce stress on Marines and their families. There has yet to be a policy provided to Marines to ensure homesteading is a transparent, tangible option for them. To solve this problem, and determine what benefits homesteading would offer the Marine Corps, I researched empirical studies regarding the frequency of moves as they relate to family disruptions and unit performance, as well as the benefits of nonmonetary incentives. From this research, I found that spousal employment, children’s socio-academic outcomes, marital satisfaction, unit performance, and the maintenance of habits are negatively correlated with moving. Considering these findings and utilizing current Marine Corps doctrine, I offer four policy recommendations to manage homesteading within the Marine Corps: a homestead be six years or more, almost all continental U.S. (CONUS) bases can be used, Marines should be prioritized by performance, and high-performing Marines should be given PCS geographic preference if not selected to homestead. My aim is to assist the Marine Corps in increasing retention and satisfaction, while providing a transparent policy to Marines.