Analysis of Career Development for Engineering Duty Officer Commanding Officers

Abstract

Engineering Duty Officers (EDOs) perform critical duties to support the entire sequence of ship building and maintenance for the U.S. Navy. The desire for cost savings, timely execution, and increased efficiency in ship maintenance has warranted the need to evaluate the current fundamental leadership and professional development for EDOs. Several alternatives are available; however, each generates a direct net financial burden. To support decision-makers on shaping the education, training, and development of EDOs, this thesis examines net direct costs on two hypothetical adjustments of the current typical EDO development path to ensure successful command: expanded business acumen and improved talent management. Specifically, using a cost-effectiveness analysis framework and a set of financial management tools, this thesis estimates direct net costs associated with adding business acumen training at Naval Postgraduate School, EDO Basic School, and EDO Senior Course/Advanced Management Program. In addition, this thesis estimates direct net costs associated with adding an additional detailer and adding a retention bonus like the Surface Warfare Officer bonus into the EDO development path.