Stationering

Stationering refers to the act of assigning personnel to reside or operate from a particular location for a defined period. While most commonly used in a military context, it also applies to diplomatic and organizational settings. In military terms, stationering designates the long-term or temporary placement of units or individuals at bases, garrisons, forward operating bases, or other facilities. It supports readiness, deterrence, and the ability to project power, while balancing political, logistical, and budgetary considerations. Stationering arrangements are typically governed by agreements with host nations, such as status of forces agreements (SOFA), which define legal jurisdiction, taxation, and rights for personnel and their dependents, as well as responsibilities for infrastructure, housing, and security.

There are several forms: permanent stationing, where units are based at a fixed location for extended periods; rotational or contingent stationing, where personnel rotate in and out on a schedule; and expeditionary or temporary stationing for specific missions or exercises. In non-military contexts, stationering may refer to the assignment of staff to offices, embassies, or projects, with similar concerns about location, duration, and local administration.

The term underlines the relationship between the stationed personnel and their host site, rather than the act of movement itself.