Back to the Future: Transforming the Army Officer Development System

Abstract

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.

Recommended Citation

Meese, Michael and Calkins, Samuel (2006) "Back to the Future: Transforming the Army Officer Development System," The Forum: Vol. 4 : Iss. 1, Article 3.
Available at: http://www.bepress.com/forum/vol4/iss1/art3