Attracting Generation Z Talent to the Army Acquisition Workforce (AAW)
Abstract
The 2019 Army People Strategy (APS) and the 2022 Army Civilian Implementation Plan (CIP) both recognized the necessity for the Army to overhaul the talent management paradigm, from soldier to civilian. With a vision toward a digitally modernized Army beyond 2028, emerging technologies are poised to play a pivotal role, necessitating a workforce equipped with the requisite skills to drive innovation and lead change (Iyer, 2021). At the forefront of this transformation lies the Army Acquisition Workforce (AAW), comprising approximately 32,000 professionals tasked with furnishing soldiers with the necessary tools for mission success (United States Army Director, Acquisition Career Management (DACM), 2020). This study focused on the AAW and the Army's strategy for attracting the emerging Generation Z (Gen Z) talent pool through targeted marketing and recruitment efforts. This qualitative study explored the Army's approach to attracting Gen Z to the AAW, addressing pertinent research questions regarding workplace characteristics, current recruitment strategies, target skillsets, and best practices. By delving into these inquiries, the study sought to inform Army strategists on how best to engage and enlist Gen Z talent, ensuring a workforce equipped to meet the Army's evolving needs. Gen Z is set to constitute a substantial portion of the global labor force by 2025 (Estrellado, 2023; McAllister, 2024). Consequently, the Army must align marketing and recruitment tactics with the preferences and values of the Gen Z cohort and leverage industry hiring tactics to secure a future talent pipeline (United States Army, 2019; Defense Business Board (DBB), 2023). The study provides recommendations and strategies on how best to tailor the Army marketing and recruitment endeavors to resonate with Gen Z preferences, thereby ensuring a robust and adept workforce capable of meeting the Army's evolving needs.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Feb 16, 2024
- Accession Number
- AD1230721
Entities
People
- Shanell S. Weissinger
Organizations
- Defense Acquisition University