In the current cost-cutting climate, USAF officials are looking closely at changing the standard three-year duty stints for officers to four-year permanent change of station (PCS) assignments. Lt. Gen. Roger Brady, deputy chief of staff for manpower and personnel, says the action would free up money spent on moves that is sorely needed for other priorities such as recapitalization of ageing aircraft and operations. He also expects longer stays in one job would deepen an officer’s knowledge and experience. The prospective change to PCS policy mostly pertains to officers in the continental United States, but also to those on “permanent” assignments in Europe.
Airmen basic rarely go on to become four-star generals, but one who did retired last week after a 42 year career that saw him rise from a lowly slick-sleeve to the head of one of the Air Force’s most important major commands.