FORT HOOD, Texas -- Increased dwell time and predictability are coming, Sgt. Maj. of the Army Kenneth Preston told approximately 500 Soldiers here Friday at Club Hood.
He also provided an update about new uniforms, Comprehensive Soldier Fitness, new physical training requirements and what is to come in the Army.
"I've got some stuff to pass along to you," Preston said. "I want you to share this with your Soldiers".
The most-frequent questions Preston gets when he meets with Soldiers involve dwell time and predictability. Both topics are a work in progress as Iraq deployments wind down and the focus has turned to Operation Enduring Freedom.
"Our current demands outweigh our ability to restore readiness and strategic flexibility and sustain an all-volunteer force," Preston said.
The Army had to grow quickly to meet the demand for two ongoing conflicts, but it looks as though demand and troop strength are beginning to level out.
Currently dwell time for active-component Soldiers in the Army is one year deployed and one year at home. Reserve-component Soldiers have an average of one year deployed and four years at home.
Preston said he expects to see dwell time extended for active-duty troops to one year deployed, two years at home.
"Dwell time is increasing," he said.
If the Army can get down to 10 brigade combat teams, he added, that time could extend to nine months deployed and three years at home, but the 1:2 ratio is one the horizon.
Extended dwell time will give Soldiers and their families more predictability, Preston said, adding that in the long-term, leaders want to see Soldiers stay in place five or six years.
"When we develop you, we make you a better Soldier," he said.
The former 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division command sergeant major reiterated Chief of Staff of the Army Gen. George W. Casey Jr.'s four strategic imperatives: sustain, prepare, reset and transform. U.S. Army
