Military Personnel - High Aggregate Personnel Levels Maintained Throughout Drawdown: Nsiad-95-97 (Paperback)

Pursuant to a congressional request, GAO reviewed the effects of the military drawdown on the services' ability to staff active duty combat and support units. GAO found that: (1) the services have retained over 95 percent of their authorized positions despite major personnel reductions, maintained high fill rates for most ranks, and kept over 90 percent of authorized positions filled in a large majority of their military speciality categories; (2) there was a continuing shortage of field grade officers; (3) the drawdown directly contributed to some of the personnel shortages at some units and installations and led to multiple personnel transfers; (4) some officials permitted personnel in critical shortage categories to participate in early out programs due to concern that limiting participation would adversely affect morale; and (5) shortages not directly related to the drawdown could persist without changes in operating policies, procedures, and legislative requirements.