Impact of the Department of Defense Reorganization Act of 1986 on Mandatory Retirement Policy: Time for a Change?
Abstract
The Goldwater-Nichols Department of Defense Reorganization Act of 1986 (PL 99-433), made sweeping revisions in the identification, assignment and promotion of personnel. Joint duty is now an essential prerequisite for promotion to general officer. Following promotion, there is a further requirement for general officers in joint assignments to serve for three years in those positions. These requirements are incompatible with officer career progression moves and with desired payback on the investment of promotion to four-star rank. Current length-of-service retirement restrictions do not provide an officer with enough time to be trained and developed to the depth required to become both a proficient member of his service and a credible joint specialist. This report considers extending officer tenure on active duty to accommodate both the needs of the service and the intent of Congress when it passed the new law. It reviews military retirement history and compares our current policies with plans of the civilian sector as well as foreign military policies. It reviews the background of the current legislation to show the extent of changes that must be made. The report suggests that our current retirement laws are outdated, have not kept pace with technological change or modern requirements of the Air Force, or considered improved health and increased longevity of Air Force members.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 01, 1988
- Accession Number
- ADA202049
Entities
People
- Harry A. White Iii
Organizations
- Air War College