An Enlisted Assignment System for a Transformed Army

The Armys enlisted assignment system has evolved over time to support an individual replacement system that focuses on career development and desires, rather than Army needs and readiness. Whether the Army should use an individual assignment or unit replacement system to meet Army readiness needs and support the National Military Strategy is not a new issue. The current system has become overly complicated, restricted by laws, regulations and policies, and is often perceived as biased and unfair. The Enlisted Distribution Policy, permanent overseas basing of the force, PERSTEMPO, turbulence, stabilization and deletiondeferment policies, No Shows, lack of compensation and retention impact the enlisted assignment system. To support a highly mobile, responsive, deployable, and transformed Army, Personnel Transformation must examine the assignment system. Personnel Transformation must also find ways to reduce noncompliance with assignment instructions, maintain ready and cohesive units and stabilize families to improve well-being. Ideas such as CONUS basing, short rotations, increased overseas compensation, reductions of overseas infrastructure and predictable deployment schedules should be studied as possible ways to support a power projection force.