Reshaping Human Resource Strategy in the Army
Abstract
The Army today operates, is funded and managed using a three component construct that predates the Cold War. The associated personnel policies have become obsolete for application across the three components. In reality, the Army is utilized in theater as a single force. The three components of the construct consist of the Regular Army Active Component, and the two components that make up the reserve component, the National Guard and the Army Reserves. Today in Afghanistan, Iraq, and locations throughout the world, these three components are working together as the nation's military premier land power provider. Senior Army leaders have declared this time period as an era of persistent conflict. To more effectively utilize the power the Army can provide in an era of persistent conflict, the personnel management of the nation's military must be reevaluated based on current and future needs. A major strategic challenge during this era is how to maintain an all volunteer Army when the proclivity to enlist or be commissioned is low, the pool of qualified applicants is shrinking, and adults throughout American society who advise young people have become less than enthusiastic about recommending military service. Strategically, the matter of maintaining a pool of qualified applicants remains an area that must be addressed for the long term. Revolutionary retention methods are needed to maximize the utilization of every individual available to serve. This project will examine ways to allow personnel already trained and individuals qualified for military service to have options regarding when and how they serve. The research will explore the continuum of service as an enabler to provide those options. Seamless transition from one Army component to another, on and off duty, also will be examined. Recommendations are made to overhaul Cold War human resource management constructs to meet 21st century requirements.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 03, 2009
- Accession Number
- ADA498028
Entities
People
- Terrance I. Fields
Organizations
- United States Army War College