Uniformed Military Acquisition Officer Career Path Development Comparison

Abstract

The purpose of this research was to compare the career path development of the Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, and Army Acquisition Officers and identify advantages and disadvantages from each Service. After an analysis of the differences, recommended changes to establish greater efficiency and symmetry within the Acquisition Officer’s professional development to serve more effectively in a Joint environment are proposed. The methodology included comparing U.S. Armed Forces processes and frameworks concerning career field education and training of uniformed Acquisition Officers in the contract management and program management fields. Each Service’s methods were compared to identify milestones for career progression of Acquisition Officers within each Service. Processes that would benefit other Services were identified, such as serving in non-acquisition positions as a junior officers and serving in back-to-back acquisitions tours once joining the acquisition workforce. These beneficial processes were used to create a Universal Acquisition Officer Career Path (UAOCP) that can be adopted by all Services to better synchronize military and civilian education, training, and experience across the Services for Acquisition Officers. The UAOCP would promote a level field of knowledge that could better serve the Joint acquisition environment.