Characterizing the Future Defense Workforce

During the 1990s, questions arose about how future changes in military missions, organizations, and technology would affect work and workers in the Department of Defense (DoD). To address these questions, RAND undertook an analysis of the effects of the future environment on the characteristics of DoD work and workers. Using the Department of Labor’s Occupational information Network (O*NET) and the O*NET Analyst Database, military and civilian occupational analysts assigned new ratings scores to O*NET occupational dimensions, predicated on a general description of the future DoD environment derived primarily from Joint Vision 2010 and related documents. RAND then analyzed the differences between future and past scores. Despite the many changes anticipated in DoD processes, relatively few characteristics are expected to change. Given existing selection and training processes, current and prospective workforces should be able to adapt to the expected changes, which separate into four broad themes: an enhanced service orientation, more advanced technical knowledge and skills, better problem-solving skills, and an increased need to stay current.