Report Highlights DoD’s Need to Assess Depot Workforce Programs

The Government Accountability Office has called on the armed forces to assess hiring, training and retention programs at their depots to address the emerging challenges keeping skilled workers for future maintenance works. In a report published in mid-December, GAO found that current shortages in skilled personnel and the aging workforce at military depots have delayed maintenance for aircraft, ships and other weapon systems.  

The agency added that the service branches’ plans to address workforce-related concerns appear outdated or not being implemented. GAO recommended the Air Force, Army, Marine Corps and Navy review the effectiveness of their depot workforce programs to improve hiring, training and retention efforts. The four service branches plan to revise their program plans by end of fiscal year 2019. 

“Increasing numbers of depot workers have been retiring, and the number eligible to retire is expected to increase,” GAO said. 

The agency added that it commonly takes five years or more “to become proficient in some occupations, DOD must systematically plan and prepare to hire, train and retain the workforce it needs to support its vital maintenance and repair mission.”

Military depots have launched efforts to help maintain their workforces, such as offering recruitment and hiring incentives, providing training and apprenticeship programs and partnering with local vocational schools. For the report, GAO interviewed depot officials and analyzed depot strategic plans and personnel data from fiscal years 2013 through 2017.