Suchergebnisse

'This War Really Matters: Inside the Fight for Defense Dollars' by George Wilson is reviewed.

The remarkable success of the all‐volunteer force (AVF) in the past 30 years belies the controversial decision to implement such a force, which was the result of effective economic arguments and propitious political factors. In spite of significant work by the Gates Commission, the success of the AVF was not preordained, but was significantly influenced by ways in which the army adapted since 1973 to make the most effective use of volunteer soldiers. This adaptation included careful evaluation of standards, pay, education, training, non‐monetary compensation, quality of life, and promotion of diversity. Each of these factors had to be carefully managed to enhance the effectiveness of the military labor force. Military personnel policies have a long‐term impact not only on the military but also on society as a whole.

As a closed labor force, with limited lateral entry, the military must build officers from within. This means that when significant changes in operating environments occur—such as the end of the Cold War or the aftermath of 9/11—changes in the military personnel system can take significant time to affect the composition of the officer corps. Changes at the end of the Cold War in the Army officer development system created greater specialization of officers in their specific career fields, which is both understandable and supportable when viewed in historical context. As the nation addresses the officer development system today, the Army should consider returning to some practices implemented during the Cold War to enhance flexibility and versatility among its officer corps in the post-9/11 environment.

As a closed labor force, with limited lateral entry, the military must build officers from within. This means that when significant changes in operating environments occur-such as the end of the Cold War or the aftermath of 9/11-changes in the military personnel system can take significant time to affect the composition of the officer corps. Changes at the end of the Cold War in the Army officer development system created greater specialization of officers in their specific career fields, which is both understandable & supportable when viewed in historical context. As the nation addresses the officer development system today, the Army should consider returning to some practices implemented during the Cold War to enhance flexibility & versatility among its officer corps in the post-9/11 environment. Adapted from the source document.