Improving Equality in PCS Weight Allowances Across the Ranks

The Department of Defense reports that every year, about one-third of all military members move. Each of these transitions creates financial burdens for these military members. United States General Accounting Office reports, according to DOD, mid-grade and senior non-commissioned officers enlisted personnel in grades E-5 to E-9 average more than 1,000 in nonreimbursable expenses each time they move. Officers absorb an even a greater amount. Often these nonreimbursable expenses are incurred because the service members personal belongings outweigh their maximum weight allowances as defined in United States Code, Title 37, Section 406 b 1 C see appendix 1 for USC. Current household goods weight allowances are based solely on a service members present grade - the higher the pay grade, the higher the maximum allowance. However, no records show why the maximum allowances were established at the current levels. Each branch of service adheres to the same regulations when conducting a move within the United States. Service members relocation allowances for household goods should be based on rank however, service members must be apportioned additional weight for the number of years of service as well as number of dependents to ensure equity across the ranks.