A methodology to identify an ideal force structure for Navy pilots

Abstract

The purpose of this thesis was to develop a methodology that could assist manpower managers identify an "ideal" force structure for Navy pilots. This methodology uses billet authorizations for the pilot community and the pilots' "fair share" of general billet authorizations obtained from an officer programmed authorizations (OPA) summary document. A set of pilot requirements was determined by aggregating the various billet authorizations to be filled by pilots. Using historical pilot community continuation rates, a sustainable pilot distribution for each individual grade was determined. DOPMA-based promotion rates and promotion zones were then used to link the grades into a sustainable force structure. Finally, the "ideal" force structure was selected by choosing a force structure that best matched those requirements with total inventory for each grade, as well as in the aggregate. The "ideal" force structure can be used to identify overages and underages in current and future pilot inventory and assist manpower managers in working toward a balanced force structure.