Professionalization of the U.S. Defense Acquisition Workforce: Progress, Problems and Future Directions

Abstract

This paper provides a discussion on the professionalization of the U.S. defense acquisition workforce. Recent legislation and its impact on education, training, and experience requirements are first discussed. Problems in professionalizing the workforce are identified, such as accurately defining the workforce, developing and accessing workforce data, and effectively recruiting and retaining the workforce. The current challenges to managing the acquisition workforce include the loss of retirement-eligible personnel, understanding the differences in workforce generations, and the depleting U.S. workforce pool with increasing competition for talent. Finally, a discussion on the future of the acquisition workforce is provided by looking at the human capital strategy and identifying generational differences in new entrants to the workforce. The paper concludes by proposing that the defense acquisition system will continue to be reformed, and the acquisition workforce will need to continue to reflect the changing knowledge, skills, and abilities needed to manage defense acquisition programs.