Julia Pollak

In light of the impending drawdown of forces and the pressure to reduce defense budgets, this report describes research to quantify the rescuability window of downed aircrews to assist the U.S. Air Force s reassessment of its personnel recovery force structure. The current research quantifies the relationship between rescuability and time so that the most cost-effective options for increasing the rescuability of downed personnel can be pursued."

To help the Air Force better anticipate cost and schedule challenges and manage programs, this study developed a methodology to evaluate the likelihood of cost growth and schedule slip for major defense acquisition projects (MDAPs). The authors apply this methodology to programs currently in the Air Force's MDAP portfolio to assess future risk of cost growth and schedule slip.

This report examines recent patterns in military-to-civilian conversion that is, converting military positions to government civilian positions to identify the primary impediments to such conversions. The authors reviewed relevant statutes and policies, held discussions with U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) subject matter experts, and analyzed administrative data on DoD military and civilian personnel."

This study examined U.S. Department of Defense permanent change of station programs to determine the potential for savings that could accrue by increasing the amount of time between moves. The research reviewed current policies and investigated the potential for incentive programs to encourage servicemembers to stay longer at their current stations. Potential implementation of an auction program was also discussed.

The perceived shortage of cybersecurity professionals working on national security may endanger the nation s networks and be a disadvantage in cyberspace conflict. RAND examined the cybersecurity labor market, especially in regard to national defense. Analysis suggests market forces and government programs will draw more workers into the profession in time, and steps taken today would not bear fruit for another five to ten years."