2002- analysis of the Marine Corps enlisted assignment process

Abstract

The mission of the Manpower Management Enlisted Assignment Branch (MMEA) is to enact ‘Marine Corps policy to classify, assign, and counsel all active duty enlisted Marines to effectively staff the active duty enlisted requirements of all worldwide Marine Corps Activities, by retaining only the most qualified Marines. Special attention is given to balance the needs of the individual Marine with the needs of the Marine Corps.’ However, balancing the Corps’ needs and individual Marines’ needs is particularly difficult given the current hierarchical planning method that MMEA is using to match Marines with billets.

Ultimately, MMEA accomplishes its mission: assigning Marines to billets; however, it may do so without optimizing efficiency or effectiveness. The assignment process could possibly be made more efficient using web-based markets and intelligent agents to more effectively plan and assign Marines to billets. Additionally, a thorough understanding of the Marine Corps Human Resource Development Process (HRDP) provides crucial insights ensuring the Marine Corps focuses on improving operational readiness, maintaining fleet balance, and retaining quality Marines. This thesis evaluates the strengths and weaknesses of the current Marine Corps’ assignment process and its outcomes, and makes recommendations for improvement.