The rotation and assignment of imbalanced air force specialties: A policy analysis model

Abstract

Air Force Human Resources LaboratoryBrooks AFB, Texas 78235 THOMAS D. CLARK is an Air Force Lieutenant Colonel assigned to the Air Force Institute of Technology. He is Professor of Systems Management teaching graduate courses in computer simulation and research design. His research has dealt with the application of computer simulation to Department of Defense problems. He holds the DBA from Florida State University, is the author of two books dealing with simulation and information analysis, and has published articles in a variety of journals. KEVIN LAWSON is an Air Force Captain currently working at the Air Force Human Resources Laboratory in San Antonio, Texas. His work primarily deals with correctly matching people to Air Force jobs and with the related manpower, personnel, and training policy issues that are affected by selection and classification. His education includes a bachelor of science degree from Southwest Texas State University and a master of science degree in operations research from the Air Force Institute of Technology. His research interests include improved selection of Air Force physicians, the integration of personnel costs and requirements into the evaluation of weapon systems through policy modeling, and the use of simulation as a means to test and validate policy changes in the manpower, personnel, and training environment. ABSTRACT A dynamic model of a complex multi-echelon personnel system is presented in this paper. The system manages U.S. Air Force airman assignments in critical specialties. Some of these specialties are imbalanced with more personnel required overseas than can be supplied and still allow airmen sufficient tour length assignments in the continental United States. The model deals with inputs and outputs of personnel at the organizational level and provides a mechanism for testing the effects of alternative policies on system performance. A discussion of the advantages of the methodology over other techniques for this type of analysis is included.