Review of the Roles, Selection, and Evaluation of Superintendents of Military Service Academies
Abstract
The Institute for Defense Analyses (IDA), in accordance with the Fiscal Year (FY) 2014 Department of Defense Appropriations Act, conducted a comprehensive review of the role of the modern DOD Service Academy superintendents (U.S. Military Academy, U.S. Air Force Academy and U.S. Naval Academy). The review followed three lines of query: Roles, Selection, and Evaluation; it combined archival data and interviews of Service Secretaries and Chiefs, superintendents, and university presidents. Superintendents perform many strategic roles, as commander, university president, and chief executive, and engage a wide variety of stakeholders. In accomplishing the academys mission to develop leaders of character for their Service and Nation, the superintendent must synchronize all stakeholders to develop cadets and midshipmen morally, mentally, and physically. A superintendents roles are distinct relative to comparable leadership positions, and must adapt to changes in the national security environment and society. Service leaders select superintendents based on many factors, with demonstrated leadership the primary. Evaluation of superintendents is based on expectations set by Service leaders; feedback is communicated via multiple venues. Recommended actions to enhance performance of superintendents roles include ensuring a strong Service leader-superintendent relationship; proactively developing, selecting with sophistication, and deliberately preparing superintendents; increasing tour lengths; and removing the retirement stipulation from legislation.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Dec 01, 2014
- Accession Number
- AD1124187
Entities
People
- Joseph F. Adams
- Kathleen M. Conley
- Rachel D. Dubin
- Waldo D. Freeman
- William A. Chambers
- William R. Jr Burns
Organizations
- Institute for Defense Analyses