Middle Management Experience in Systems Acquisition: Can It Be Improved?

Abstract

USAf management identified in 1979, in 1982, and again in 1985, a shortage of experienced weapon systems acquisition middle managers. This study evaluates the effectiveness of three potential actions aimed at offsetting the effects of the shortage on weapon systems acquisition--increased training, increased civilianization, and/or restructed acquisition career management. The study concludes good training is available, but not effectively marketed; civilians could be used to reduce the shortage, but they are probably not available; and acquisition career management could be restructured, but it requires institutional (USAF) commitment. The author recommends AFR 36-23 be revamped to establish individually tailored career progression paths with 'gate' criteria to be met prior to an officer becoming a certified acquisition manager.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Apr 01, 1986
Accession Number
ADA167832

Entities

People

  • Randall L. Ray

Organizations

  • Air Command and Staff College

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Human Systems
  • Space
  • Weapons Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Air Force
  • Business Administration
  • Composite Materials
  • Databases
  • Defense Systems
  • Department Of Defense
  • Governments
  • Intercontinental Ballistic Missiles
  • Management Personnel
  • Military Acquisition
  • Military Personnel
  • Personnel Management
  • Program Management
  • Students
  • Systems Management
  • United States
  • War Colleges

Readers

  • Defense Acquisition Program Management
  • Military Leadership and Professional Education.
  • Occupational Health and Safety.