Military Downsizing: Balancing Accessions and Losses Is Key to Shaping the Future Force
NSIAD-93-241
Published: Sep 30, 1993. Publicly Released: Oct 15, 1993.
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Highlights
Pursuant to a congressional request, GAO reviewed the Department of Defense's (DOD) compliance with congressional guidance and authorizations in military downsizing, focusing on: (1) DOD progress towards meeting reduction targets; (2) the effects of downsizing on new recruiting or accessions; (3) voluntary and involuntary reduction actions to meet downsizing objectives; (4) the accomplishment of downsizing across various groups of officers and enlisted personnel by years of service and its effect on force profiles; and (5) issues important to future reduction decisions.
Recommendations
Matter for Congressional Consideration
| Matter | Status | Comments |
|---|---|---|
| Given that DOD downsizing is apt to continue for several more years, Congress, to the extent it desires a continuing emphasis on minimizing involuntary separations, may wish to consider extending the use of special financial separation incentive programs beyond the current deadline of fiscal year 1995. |
Closed – Implemented
|
Congress enacted this provision in section 561 of the FY 1994 National Defense Authorization Act. |
| Congress may wish to consider amending the legislation to include all who have attained 6 years of service within the time frame for which the incentives are authorized as a means of broadening the pool of persons eligible for the incentives and minimize the potential for greater involuntary separations in the future. |
Closed – Implemented
|
Congress enacted this provision in secion 502 of the FY 1994 National Defense Authorization Act. |
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Topics
Defense capabilitiesEmployee incentivesEmployee retirement plansEnlisted personnelMilitary dischargesMilitary downsizingMilitary officersMilitary recruitingPersonnel managementReductions in forceMandatory retirement