Downsizing the Army's Active Enlisted Force: Implications for Rotation Patterns and Associated Personnel Policies.
Abstract
The drawdown of the active duty Army following the end of the Cold War has come disproportionately from overseas positions. As such it is both a drawdown and a restructuring. This shift to a more continental U.S.- (CONUS-) based force could lead to unacceptable long tours in CONUS TDA positions, mismatches between the ranks and skills of assigned personnel, and difficulty in transporting soldiers to obtain required professional development and training. Using a variety of simulation models, the effect of the changing authorization structure on average CONUS time on station the number of rotational moves, and other variables was analyzed. Alternative methods to offset the effects of the change in billet structure, including changes in OCONUS tour lengths, increases in CONUS to CONUS operational moves, and a combination of the two methods were studied. The policies examined to offset potential CONUS stagnation appear more than adequate. For example, a policy of reducing OCONUS tour length by 1 year significantly increases rotational moves and reduces average CONUS time on station, by FY 1998, to below what it would have been had there been no change. Overall, the simulations suggest that the potential problems posed by the change in authorization structure will not be severe and that policies can be adapted to offset any potentially adverse effects.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Aug 01, 1996
- Accession Number
- ADA319594
Entities
People
- Abraham Nelson
- C. Ha
- Minesh Mehta
- Paul F. Hogan
- Peter Greenston
Organizations
- Human Resources Research Organization