Crisis in the Acquisition Workforce: Some Simple Solutions

Abstract : The military acquisition system is facing a crisis of significant proportions with the imminent loss, through retirement and attrition, of a substantial portion of its experienced workforce. This workforce is responsible for the development, production, and deployment of new weapons. The implications of this personnel shortage for national security, both in the near-term and long-term, are serious. The potential inability of the acquisition process to provide quality weapons in a timely manner and at a reasonable price should be disturbing to senior leaders within the Department of Defense (DoD). What can be done about the potential loss of this acquisition leadership? This article presents some creative solutions to this problem that could resolve the current shortfall and prevent future ones, although they will require bucking entrenched bureaucracies to implement.