Stress on the Force: Measuring the Impact of Increased Operational Deployments Using Manpower Metrics
Abstract
Accurate deployment data, when correlated with manpower metrics such as divorce, separation, and suicide rates, can provide a representative assessment of "stress on the force." The United States Marine Corps (USMC) is involved in a conflict that can potentially last a generation. Given this level of operational commitment, the Marine Corps is sensitive to the ramifications, both long- and short-term, of increased operational tempo. The negative ramifications are commonly referred to as "stress on the force" and can cross most functional boundaries of the Marine Corps. Recognizing and addressing the stress is a challenge for a service that is involved in one of the longest periods of sustained combat in its illustrious history. Identification of measurable stress indicators may facilitate the Marine Corps in maintaining the proper balance between operational deployments and the quality of life of service members and their families. This thesis examines the issues surrounding the measurement of deployment tempo by the Marine Corps Total Force System (MCTFS). The thesis then provides several manpower metrics that can be used as stress indicators. Finally, the author draws conclusions and provides recommendations for improving the Marine Corps' ability to track the health of the force from a manpower perspective. The Marine Corps has the capability to depict the "stress on the force" in near-real time. The breadth of data stored by the MCTFS can be effectively mined via access to the relational database that stores the information. Facilitating the use of manpower metrics to measure "stress on the force" will require a renewed focus on improving the data itself.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 2008
- Accession Number
- ADA490695
Entities
People
- Robert J. Guice
Organizations
- Marine Corps University