Simulating the Emergent Social Networks of Army Units

This study investigates the balance between the benefits and disruptions of the permanent change of station (PCS) policy in the US Army, focusing on the emergence of informal social networks. Utilizing an agent-based simulation model, we analyzed personnel movements and the association networks developed over careers, exploring the impacts of changing PCS frequency. The hypothesis posited that reducing PCS frequency could strengthen interunit relationships at the cost of wider network connections. However, findings suggest that decreasing PCS frequency enhances interunit connectivity with minimal effects on the broader network, presenting marginal trade-offs in network-level performance. Reduced flow betweenness centrality at the brigade level was observed, indicating improved performance within units, while broader organizational centrality remained relatively unchanged. This research provides insights into optimizing human resource policies for organizational performance by considering not only direct costs but also the dynamics of social network development, highlighting the potential of incorporating social network analysis in strategic workforce management and manpower modeling.