Understanding the Revolving Door Phenomenon for Retired Mid-Grade Military Officers

Abstract

As the Department of Defense (DOD) places increased emphasis on a smaller, skilled workforce, Human Capital and Social Capital (HC and SC) preservation become more important. The revolving door is an efficient but politically charged HC and SC preservation method. How are retired military second careers framed, and how should we understand them? What HC investments does the DOD make in officers, and what use is that investment to second-career employers? How large is the revolving door, and what can we learn by examining it in this officer group?