Zero Angle on the Bow: Where Millennials and STEM Collide within the Department of Defense
Abstract
A cursory Internet search of the word Millennial reveals a bevy of information and statistics about the most recent generation to enter the workforce. Unfortunately, most of it is false and jaded, based on hyperbole and one-off interactions with Millennials. At the same time, the Department of Defense (DOD)and even the United States workforce in generalfaces an inability to retain its science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) workforce for a wide variety of reasons, including lack of interest, lack of workplace flexibility, and desires to pursue other avenues of employment. This paper examines the STEM issue, concluding that the problem in STEM for the DOD is not with the recruitment of STEM employees, but instead it is the lack of retention. Concurrently, this paper also takes a brief dive into the different workplace generations before looking in-depth at the Millennials, the primary generation in the workforce today. By doing so, this paper reveals several areas where Millennials and STEM employees naturally intersect, leading to the conclusion that the DOD needs to take a hard look at the natural talents and qualities Millennials bring to the workforce. By adapting and weaving these strengths into STEM needs, the DOD can colloquially answer the mail regarding the lack of STEM employees in the DOD workforce. It will not be easy, it will require risk, and significant rules may need to be changed in order to make this solution viable. Not doing so, however, presents an even more significant problem, which is the US continuing to lag behind other nations in STEM.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 01, 2018
- Accession Number
- AD1055019
Entities
People
- Paul S Eley
Organizations
- Air Command and Staff College