An analysis of officer professional development in the VP (Maritime Patrol) aviation community with application of an interactive computer model for seatour opportunity determination.

This thesis presents an analysis of officer professional development within the VP (Maritime Patrol) Aviation Community of the U. S. Navy and a VP SEATOURS model designed for use in planning for more efficient utilization of available manpower. Historical billet and career path analysis is conducted for the purpose of examining command selection probabilities, defining a common career structure, and identifying relevant parameters for model development. Current information for officer inventory and sea duty billet requirements is used to calculate seatour opportunities or shortfalls for specific tour positions over projected fiscal years. Model capability is illustrated in the applications phase where adjustments are made to sea duty assignments, billet requirements, and tour positions. The model provides the means to 'test' alternatives which may be representative of those available to analysts for improving existing manpower policies. (Author)