The Army Needs To Better Plan To Meet Its Civilian Personnel Needs in Wartime

Highlights

GAO reviewed the Army's plans to meet its civilian personnel requirements in the event of mobilization. The Army would rely heavily on its civilian workforce as a key support base involved in mobilizing, training, deploying, and sustaining tactical forces.

Recommendations

Recommendations for Executive Action

Agency Affected	Recommendation	Status
Department of the Army	The Secretary of the Army should monitor the actions required of the CONUS support base organizations in planning for the expansion of the civilian work force and require the preparation and implementation of action plans, as appropriate.	Closed – Implemented When we confirm what actions the agency has taken in response to this recommendation, we will provide updated information.
Department of the Army	The Secretary of the Army should develop a clear definition of the term "key employee" for use by installations in identifying civilians having key defense positions who are Ready Reservists.	Closed – Implemented When we confirm what actions the agency has taken in response to this recommendation, we will provide updated information.
Department of the Army	The Secretary of the Army should follow up to ensure that key employees are removed from the Ready Reserve or transferred to a non-key position.	Closed – Implemented When we confirm what actions the agency has taken in response to this recommendation, we will provide updated information.
Department of the Army	The Secretary of the Army should develop specific mobilization guidance on: (1) replacing peacetime civilian employees who are military retirees or draft eligibles; and (2) planning for the acquisition of additional and replacement contractor personnel to support expanding Army installations.	Closed – Implemented When we confirm what actions the agency has taken in response to this recommendation, we will provide updated information.

Full Report

Full Report (34 pages)

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Topics

National Defense

Army personnelCivilian employeesRetireesDefense contingency planningEmergency preparednessMobilizationStaff utilizationStrategic mobility forcesMilitary forcesMilitary reserve personnel