Implementing Total Quality Management in the Department of Defense

Trying to maintain a modern, capable military in an atmosphere of reduced industrial-base capability, rising weapons systems costs with longer development times, and negative perceptions of defense acquisition and contract management, all in an era of shrinking defense budgets, is a tremendous challenge for the Department of Defense (DOD). In my judgment, the only way we can hope to accomplish this is through adoption of an across-the-board better way of doing business, such as found in Total Quality Management (TQM). This paper is written to promote top DOD leadership understanding and acceptance of TQM concepts and picks up where Deming's theories leave off in How to implement TQM. A two-phased approach to implementing TQM is spelled out; then barriers and obstacles to implementation in DOD are identified and what needs to be done to make it work. Recommendations for review are: (1) An institutionalized education and training process through various DOD schools (2) Changing to a multiyear budget process. (3) Changing our DOD contracting philosophy from price driven to quality driven. (4) Maintaining constancy of purpose and managerial continuity by extending tour lengths. (5) Revising the performance rating process to focus on teamwork and cooperation vice internal competition.