Summary: The Department of Defense's (DOD) longstanding policy has been to use civilians in positions which do not require military personnel, and the services have established policies, regulations, and guidelines compatible with this policy. DOD undertook major civilianization programs in fiscal years 1964-68 and 1973-75; since fiscal year 1964, over 100,000 jobs have been converted from military to civilian.
Even though DOD and the services have had conversion programs, their views have been more negative than positive, reflecting a traditional reluctance to reduce the number of military personnel and the need for programs to adjust the mix of military and civilian personnel. A 1977 DOD study suggested that the potential existed for converting about 50,000 more military positions to civilian positions. The Navy indicated that it was considering the conversion of 12,000 positions, but the Army, Air Force, and Marine Corps viewed a major civilianization program as detrimental to their readiness capability. Although the services are concerned about maintaining the ability to accomplish their missions effectively, DOD policy on the use of military and civilian personnel has not been revised.
