Maintaining the Edge: A Comprehensive Look at Army Officer Retention

Abstract : After more than 10 years of fighting with few budgetary constraints, the Department of Defense faces the task of cutting more than $487 billion over the next 10 years as the country seeks to balance the budget. These cuts will significantly inhibit the effectiveness of many of the incentives and benefits previously offered to entice people to join and more importantly to remain in the United States Army as officers. Given a draw down where recruiting and retention incentives may be limited, the Army must develop a comprehensive strategy for recruiting and retaining its junior officers if it is to correct its officer retention problem and set the conditions for an adequately manned and equally talented officer corps prepared to meet the challenges and demands of the future. An examination of this issue starts with an identification of the Army s officer shortage problem and an explanation of its significance. Next it looks at the initiatives taken to correct the problem and measures of their effectiveness. Finally, it will provide recommendations necessary to develop a strategic officer corps plan, despite impending budgetary constraints.