Can You Choose the Location of Your Base in the Military?
Members of the U.S. armed forces have the opportunity, in a limited fashion, to choose the bases at which they wish to begin serving. The extent of that role, though, is determined by the branch of service and, perhaps most importantly, the needs of the military.
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Army
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Under the U.S. Army's Station/Unit/Command/Area Enlistment Program 9B, enlistees have the opportunity to choose the locations of their first duty stations with their recruiters once selected for a military occupational specialty (MOS). All other soldiers typically fill out forms with their top base choices and are assigned according to the needs of the Army.
Navy
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The U.S. Navy gives sailors the opportunity to choose assignments in either the Atlantic or Pacific fleets. Once this preference is identified, the Navy places the sailor according to MOS and its needs.
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Marine Corps
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As the Navy, the Marine Corps also allows recruits to choose whether they would prefer to serve on the East or West Coasts. While the Marine Corps will take these preferences into account, Marines can be stationed at any base dependent on job selection and needs of the service.
Air Force
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During basic training, trainees will meet with Air Force counselors who will allow them to fill out forms and choose their top base preferences for their jobs. The Air Force attempts to match the wishes of airmen, but reserves the right to send a recruit to any base regardless of preference after training.
Coast Guard
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Members of the Coast Guard can fill out forms choosing a number of bases at which they wish to be assigned. However, the Coast Guard assigns its members according to its personnel needs at the time and can disregard the preference sheet completely.
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