WASHINGTON — The Association of the United States Army (AUSA) hosted Warfighter & Family Forum I: Relocation Readiness, a PCS Integration Forum, on Monday, Oct. 13 during the AUSA Annual Meeting in Washington, D.C. The session brought together senior military leaders, policy experts and innovators to explore how the Army is improving PCS processes to better support service members and their families. With a focus on integration, modernization and collaboration, the forum highlighted strategic efforts to enhance relocation readiness across the force.
The event opened with remarks from Holly Dailey, AUSA Family Readiness Director, followed by a welcome from Patti Brown, AUSA Family Readiness Senior Advisor. Both leaders emphasized AUSA’s commitment to empowering military families through smoother transitions and stronger support systems.
Maj. Gen. Lance Curtis, Commanding General of the PCS Joint Task Force, delivered the keynote address. Curtis shared insights into the task force’s mission, recent progress and future goals for streamlining PCS operations across the Army.
A panel discussion moderated by retired Lt. Gen. Jason Evans, AUSA Leadership Fellow, featured perspectives from across the Army and National Guard. Panelists included Senior Enlisted Advisor John Raines of the National Guard Bureau; David H. Dentino, Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Army for Installations, Housing and Partnerships; Brig. Gen. Landis C. Maddox, Director of G-43/5/7 (Operations, Plans, Integration and Strategy); and Sgt. Maj. Ruben Murillo, Office of the Deputy Chief of Staff G-1. Panelists discussed topics including housing, installation partnerships, operational planning and enlisted perspectives on PCS readiness.
“Whatever we need to do to make sure a Soldier is lethal and ready, is where we need to put our energy,” said Dentino. “One of the best things we can do is have them not worry about what’s going on with their family-which includes getting them into the right house, get them into the right school district and all of the things that come up with a short PCS notice - so they can focus on fighting the enemy.”
Dentino also highlighted the Army Housing Online User Services, a one stop shop designed to help Soldiers prepare for a move.
“You can start working on getting on post housing as soon as you know you’re going to that location. You can start filling out housing applications and as soon as your orders are issued, you can finalize your application so you don’t have to wait until you show up on day one.
Dentino also stressed the importance of utilizing the Army Housing Office. He shared that they can help provide information on schools, crime statistics, even information on which apartment complexes will allow you to have no deposits or how to apply for having your utility deposits waived.
Moving overseas can be challenging. “You’re going to go somewhere where you may or may not speak that language. And you’re going to have leases that are in both languages and the housing office can help you through that.”
Dentino shared a story about how helpful the Housing Office was when he PCS’d to Germany.
“The Housing Office came and they helped me on my pre-inspection and post inspection to make sure that I got all of the deposit back,” said Dentino. “I had a very challenging landlord at the time and if I didn’t have a German speaking housing office liaison there with me, I think that would have gone very, very differently for me,” continued Dentino.
Dr. Mike Park, creator of the My Army Post app, presented a guest innovation spotlight showcasing digital tools designed to simplify relocation logistics and improve access to local resources for incoming families.
Karen Halverson, AUSA Family Fellow, closed the session with reflections on key takeaways and a call for continued collaboration across military and civilian sectors.
To watch a playback of the forum, visit https://www.dvidshub.net/video/984826/ausa-2025-warfighter-and-family-forum-1-relocation-readiness-pcs-integration-forum
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