DOD 'Total Force Management'--Fact or Rhetoric?

In addressing the need for competent management of the Department of Defense (DOD) work force, GAO found that each service has developed its own manpower systems and policies; consequently, the Office of the Secretary of Defense (OSD) has not issued a clearly defined total force policy. This report assesses DOD ability to manage in the most cost-effective way all available manpower resources, which include active and reserve military, civilian, and contractor personnel. GAO made this review because the importance of effective manpower management cannot be overstated in view of rising personnel costs. A well-defined total force policy implementing total force management could help Defense managers achieve maximum force readiness at minimum cost.