Backlog of Navy Enlisted Personnel Awaiting Training Results in Inefficiency and Unnecessary Cost

GAO examined the trainee backlog problem in the Navy's initial skill training program to determine what action could minimize the backlog.

In recent years, an excessive number of Navy enlisted personnel have been waiting to receive initial skill training. During fiscal year 1981, about 5,000 enlisted personnel were awaiting training at 20 training activities on any given day. This number is nearly twice as high as the Navy's goal for the year. The Navy not only delayed skill development for the recruits involved but also: (1) deprived the fleet of about 2,250 staff-years of service, and (2) incurred approximately $17 million in unnecessary personnel costs. GAO found that, although the Navy's efforts have begun to reduce the backlog, it could still take other actions to further reduce the backlog in fiscal year 1982. In addition, GAO believes that a long-term commitment is needed to permanently eliminate the excess, minimize the unavoidable number of personnel awaiting instruction, meet future training demands, and avoid unnecessary costs.

Recommendations

Our recommendations from this work are listed below with a Contact for more information. Status will change from "In process" to "Open," "Closed - implemented," or "Closed - not implemented" based on our follow up work.

Director: Kenneth J. Coffey Team: General Accounting Office: Federal Personnel and Compensation Division Phone: (202) 275-5140