An analysis of costs and benefits associated with initial contracting technical education and training for unrestricted Marine officers

Abstract

This thesis examines the costs and benefits associated with the three courses of action the Marine Corps has used to provide initial contracting training and education to unrestricted Marine officers. The Marine Corps' contracting officer inventory is limited because it does not require Marines to execute multiple contracting tours. I analyzed which course of action would yield the biggest return to the Marine Corps while strengthening the Marine Corps' contracting officer workforce. All three courses of action analyzed allow the Marine to obtain an advanced degree, complete professional military education for his or her grade, and complete the Defense Acquisitions Workforce Improvement Act Level III contracting education required for career field certification. The research shows that the best model to provide initial contracting training and education to Marine unrestricted officers is to use the Contingency Contracting Officer Course or the Defense Acquisition University. After the officer's initial contracting tour, the Marine Corps should use the Naval Postgraduate School as a retention tool to ensure the Marine will execute at least a second contracting tour. After the second contracting tour, the Marine should have the opportunity to make a lateral move into the contracting career field to become the Marine's primary military occupational specialty.