McCarthy Joint Force Quarterly As end-strength fluctuates, force structure and strength projections for the next decade show the uniformed Services maintaining substantial excess capacity at senior ranks. Although historical numbers are inexact guides and future threats could radically change circumstances, the case for reduction is strong. Coast Guard Academy officer candidate practices navigating using stars and sextant during evening training session aboard U. Comparisons across vastly different eras can be problematic, and it could be unwise to mimic industrial age ratios.
In a streamlined modern battlespace, the need for multiple levels of brass is less urgent. Concerns about top-heavy ranks are hardly new. The regimental staff is too large. I have five staff officers in the battalion and I could get along with less. Anecdotal complaints abound and historical comparisons reflect skewed ratios, but a smoking gun is not apparent in the literature. Yet the overwhelming skew of the numbers suggests there is a great deal of excess brass that could be shed.
Defense authorization bill reports are replete with requirements, some requesting assessment of this topic, but rarely producing DOD-wide and vetted study.
The Government Accountability Office thought DOD should articulate that validated requirements be periodically reevaluated. It found DOD wanting in both validating and updating requirements.
In , then—Secretary of Defense Robert Gates ordered a widespread reduction in as part of larger reforms. The Navy has nearly as many admirals as ships when ships are now far more capable seemingly arguing for fewer admirals.
An across-the-board assessment is in order. The Marine Corps, which has the lowest percentage of officers among the Services, is not exempt from these concerns. There has been a 38 percent increase in commissioned Marine officers as a percentage of end-strength from to with no obvious justification.
They have become an obstacle. Neither has the introduction of nuclear weapons appeared to have had an effect.
Furthermore, Goldwater-Nichols took effect in the final years of the Cold War and subsequent military downsizing, a theoretical opportunity for brass reduction along with the significant force reduction that took place.
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