Moving from one duty station to another is never just about packing boxes; it's about starting a new chapter in a family’s life. For military families, the process should be streamlined, supportive, and reliable. Unfortunately, recent problems with the Department of Defense’s Global Household Goods Contract (GHC), managed by HomeSafe Alliance, have cast a shadow over what should be a smooth transition. Here’s an empathetic look at the challenges unfolding and the steps being taken to turn things around.
Understanding What Went Wrong
Since April 2024, the GHC program aimed to simplify moves by consolidating household shipment services for military families through HomeSafe Alliance, a joint venture of Tier One Relocation and KBR. Its promise was to offer consistency and efficiency during life-changing transitions, yet thousands of service members have faced the opposite.
Approximately 1,000 military personnel have reported late pickups, delayed deliveries, and communication breakdowns. This widespread disruption has added unexpected stress to already challenging moves.
One root of these issues is the subcontractor network. Many moving companies have turned down contracts with HomeSafe due to below-market compensation rates, limiting the availability of trusted movers who understand military PCS (Permanent Change of Station) moves. Families are sometimes left to choose Personally Procured Moves (PPMs), which can add financial strain and uncertainty.
The seriousness of the situation escalated in January 2025, when U.S. Transportation Command issued a "show-cause" notice to HomeSafe Alliance for hundreds of missed pickups and deliveries. This formal warning underlines the contractor’s struggle to fulfill obligations effectively.
As a result, parts of the Army have already started reverting to the previous moving system to avoid further hardship on service members.
What Actions Are Being Taken to Fix These Challenges?
The Department of Defense has responded swiftly. On May 21, 2025, immediate changes were ordered, including leadership restructuring within the HomeSafe Alliance program, signaling a commitment to restore trust and functionality.
Reevaluating subcontractor rates is another key focus. Understanding that lower pay scales led many moving companies to opt out, the DoD is working to make the compensation more competitive. Attracting experienced and reliable subcontractors is vital to ensuring dependable service and smoother moves.
There is also an emphasis on enhanced oversight and accountability. By closely monitoring HomeSafe Alliance’s performance, the DoD aims to enforce compliance with service benchmarks and quickly address any emerging issues.
These steps represent a conscientious effort to correct course and renew confidence among military families who rely so heavily on relocation services.
Looking Forward with Hope and Realism
While the initial rollout of the GHC program has been fraught with challenges, the Department of Defense's commitment to making necessary adjustments demonstrates an understanding of how critical these moves are to military families’ stability and well-being. Resolving these issues will require diligent change execution, transparent communication, and ongoing monitoring.
For military families already affected, the hope is for an improved relocation experience soon, one where uncertainty and frustration give way to support and reliability.
At MustWants, we know how much moving can impact your life beyond logistics: it’s about community, opportunity, and peace of mind. We’re here to support every step of your journey, offering trusted resources and guidance to make your next move as seamless as possible.
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