Confusion Over Validity and Effects of Purported Petty Officer Shortage

Gao ID: NSIAD-84-30 June 27, 1984

Pursuant to a congressional request, GAO reviewed the validity and effects of a purported shortage of petty officers in the Navy, focusing on: (1) the Navy's longstanding claim of a shortage; and (2) Navy plans to increase the number of petty officers.

GAO found that: (1) the Navy determined that a shortage of petty officers existed because it had more lower-grade enlisted personnel and fewer petty officers than it believed it needed; and (2) confusion was generated because the Navy failed to clearly define the shortage before congressional hearings. In addition, GAO found that: (1) the Navy's determinations of its manpower needs are not derived from objective measures; (2) the purported shortage has no effect on combat readiness or mission capability; (3) plans to increase the number of petty officers would be costly; and (4) the benefits of such an increase are not known.

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: Martin M. Ferber Team: General Accounting Office: National Security and International Affairs Division Phone: (202) 275-5140


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