The recent government shutdown caused significant delays in military household goods shipments, impacting roughly 2,100 shipments—about 20% of the 11,000 permanent change of station shipments scheduled. These delays occurred despite the shipments being funded to move in late September using fiscal 2025 dollars.
This disruption prompted the establishment of the Permanent Change of Station Joint Task Force by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth in May. The task force has taken proactive measures to address the issues that arose during the shutdown. According to Army Maj. Gen. Lance G. Curtis, the task force commander, their operations center and call center have been pivotal in resolving problems faced by service members during this period.
“We were proactive in reaching out to service members that we thought were going to be affected by the shutdown,” Curtis stated. While the task force had hoped for zero delays, they managed to create a positive narrative by addressing issues swiftly. The delays were largely attributed to the furlough of civilian workers in shipping offices at the start of October, as explained by Marine Corps Lt. Col. John Naughton, the task force’s liaison officer in the office of the undersecretary of defense for acquisition and sustainment.
The task force successfully coordinated with military branches to reinstate civilian workers, which helped mitigate some of the early shutdown challenges. Curtis emphasized the importance of communication, noting that the call center played a crucial role in connecting service members with accurate information. “Some were communication problems, and some required us to engage with the services to resolve them,” he said.
To support those affected by delays, Curtis encourages service members and their families to contact the call center at 833-645-6683 (833-MIL-MOVE) or via email at [email protected]. “I’m trying to be the one belly button for people who are frustrated,” he remarked, indicating a commitment to aiding those facing challenges with their moves.
The call center, which adjusted its hours to 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. CDT in September, is set to resume 24/7 operations starting May 7, 2026, in preparation for the upcoming peak moving season. The task force was created to improve the process of moving service members’ household goods, especially in light of the challenges associated with the Global Household Goods Contract. This contract, worth potentially $18 billion over nine years, was terminated by the Department of Defense due to performance issues with the contractor, HomeSafe Alliance.
Efforts to enhance the moving process have included holding forums with military families and industry representatives, as well as collaborating with economists to assess the broader moving industry. The task force has implemented several changes, such as moving up the timeline for service members to book their shipments, now set for early April rather than mid-May. This adjustment aims to alleviate anxiety among troops awaiting orders.
Dan Bradley, vice president of government and military relations for the International Association of Movers, remarked on the positive implications of this change, stating, “There’s nothing but goodness for service members in moving that time frame earlier into the spring.”
The continuation of the operations center and call center has been well-received, with Curtis noting their success in resolving service members’ claims related to moves. Since launching in August, the call center has recorded 4,700 contacts, with 3,300 involving proactive outreach to service members and families regarding potential issues.
Curtis expressed optimism about the task force’s ability to address problems effectively, stating, “For the first time, we can actually fix the problems, because of the relationship we have with the shipping offices.” This collaboration allows the task force to monitor shipment rates and identify potential issues before they escalate.
Industry professionals have responded positively to the task force’s initiatives, with plans to maintain the current system for at least three years, allowing companies to build necessary capacity for moving household goods. Curtis attributes much of the task force’s progress to the authorities granted to them, which were not previously available to the entities managing household goods movement.
The task force’s efforts exemplify a commitment to improving the military relocation process, ensuring that service members and their families receive the support they need during transitions. With ongoing improvements and a focus on communication, the task force aims to create a smoother moving experience in the future.
