Expanding Enlisted Lateral Entry: Options and Feasibility
Abstract
Most recruits into the U.S. military currently follow a set training pattern upon entry: new-entry training followed by occupational training. Some new recruits come to the military with advanced training or experience acquired outside the military, but in many cases the military retrains them in the same occupation or prepares them for a different occupation altogether. Several possible explanations exist for this seemingly inefficient practice. First, by choice, the military operates as a closed system. Except for a few exempt communities, recruits are expected to enter at the bottom, become acculturated, and complete service-provided training and experience to advance within the system. Second, the U.S. military currently has excess training capacity. Perhaps if the training capacity were limited in its ability to support recruiting needs, bypassing training through lateral entry of experienced personnel would be a more attractive option. Third, lateral entry of civilians into high ranks could be disruptive to the military culture. Yet, some forms of lateral entry into the military are accepted, including the awarding of advanced pay grades to doctors and lawyers in the officer corps and to enlisted band members based on nonmilitary training and experience. This report explores options for expanding a specific form of lateral entry: lateral entry of non-prior-service personnel into enlisted, active-duty occupations.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 2004
- Accession Number
- ADA423718
Entities
People
- Dina Levy
- Harry J. Thie
- Jennifer Sharp
- Joy Moini
Organizations
- Office of the Secretary of Defense