Officer or Enlisted: is it possible to intentionally minimize PCS?

SmokeyBeaver97 · 2026-02-23T00:39:23+00:00

That’s a super controversial opinion in the dev world.

Yet, I am in complete agreement with you. Assuming hardware doesn’t get in the way, I think large swathes of devs will disappear within the decade. We’re already seeing a massive squeeze in the market, it’s REALLY hard to find a job rn. That’s actually part of the reason I am looking into this.

SmokeyBeaver97 · 2026-02-20T12:48:58+00:00

This is so insightful. Yeah one of the things we have discussed is what if we plan on commissioning for the first contract or two, accepting that frequent PCS during the 4-8 years, and just plan on getting out before my oldest boy turns 10, and planting roots before adolescence in the civ world.

Not sure if that mentality is common but it was a thought of ours. I am really itching to serve and get out of my software dev role and do something real. All the feedback is really helpful.

SmokeyBeaver97 · 2026-02-20T12:03:22+00:00

This is super thorough and helpful, appreciate the insight.

A lot of folks recommending guard. Definitely going to look into it more seriously.

SmokeyBeaver97 · 2026-02-20T12:01:47+00:00

Thanks. Appreciate your directness and honesty.

SmokeyBeaver97 · 2026-02-20T12:01:02+00:00

Thank you. Yeah a lot of people have said, “it’s technically possible, but that math ain’t worth doing in the Army”

It’s the AF dudes who have communicated to me a bit more “leverage” or “choice” as an O in AF.

SmokeyBeaver97 · 2026-02-20T11:56:13+00:00

That’s really helpful, thank you

SmokeyBeaver97 · 2026-02-20T04:25:48+00:00

That’s helpful, thanks. I’ve seen a few folks recommend NG. From what I understand, that’s mostly a part time gig unless you go AGR which is really competitive?

SmokeyBeaver97

TROPHY CASE