An Admiral for every two ships

[Platapus]

Originally Posted by Buddahaid

Maybe it's a reflection of modern ethos. I see this at work when everyone has to show some growth for every review because it's not good enough to just do your job well anymore, you have to demonstrate progress and goals. I blame this for most of the growing stupid busy work people invent because, damnit, something has to change regardless of whether it makes any sense.

I think you are right. Before 1947, an officer (commissioned or non-commissioned) could have a respected, full, and honorable career and never be promoted higher than mid grade.


It was in 1947 that the DoD implemented the concept of "up or out".



This policy of measuring success by promotion has its supporters and opponents. in 2005, the RAND corporation was contracted to study "Up and Out" and to suggest better solutions. Slowly some of the suggestions were adopted.



One of the most glaring issues with "up or out" is that the ranks become top heavy which violates the principle of pyrimidine structures of command (narrow at the top, wide in the middle, narrow at the bottom) and ends up costing a lot more money.



The corporate world has some of these same issues. To be considered successful, one is often promoted to a management position.


What if a person does not want to be a manager, but wants to remain a tech? In some companies, this can work, but in others it does not bode well for a person's career.