National Academies Press: OpenBook
Suggested Citation:"Front Matter." National Research Council. 2010. Examination of the U.S. Air Force's Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Workforce Needs in the Future and Its Strategy to Meet Those Needs. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/12718.
×

Examination of the U.S. Air Force’s Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Workforce Needs in the Future and Its Strategy to Meet Those Needs

Committee on Examination of the U.S. Air Force’s Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Workforce Needs in the Future and Its Strategy to Meet Those Needs

Air Force Studies Board

Division on Engineering and Physical Sciences

NATIONAL RESEARCH COUNCIL
OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMIES

THE NATIONAL ACADEMIES PRESS

Washington, D.C.
www.nap.edu

Suggested Citation:"Front Matter." National Research Council. 2010. Examination of the U.S. Air Force's Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Workforce Needs in the Future and Its Strategy to Meet Those Needs. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/12718.
×

THE NATIONAL ACADEMIES PRESS
500 Fifth Street, N.W.
Washington, DC 20001

NOTICE: The project that is the subject of this report was approved by the Governing Board of the National Research Council, whose members are drawn from the councils of the National Academy of Sciences, the National Academy of Engineering, and the Institute of Medicine. The members of the committee responsible for the report were chosen for their special competences and with regard for appropriate balance.

This is a report of work supported by Grant FA9550-08-1-0253 between the U.S. Air Force and the National Academy of Sciences. Any opinions, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed in this publication are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the view of the organizations or agencies that provided support for the project.

International Standard Book Number 13: 978-0-309-14197-0

International Standard Book Number 10: 0-309-14197-4

Limited copies of this report are available from:

Air Force Studies Board

National Research Council

500 Fifth Street, N.W.

Washington, DC 20001

(202) 334-3111

Additional copies are available from:

The National Academies Press

500 Fifth Street, N.W. Lockbox 285 Washington, DC 20055 (800) 624-6242 or (202) 334-3313 (in the Washington metropolitan area) Internet, http://www.nap.edu

Copyright 2010 by the National Academy of Sciences. All rights reserved.

Printed in the United States of America

Suggested Citation:"Front Matter." National Research Council. 2010. Examination of the U.S. Air Force's Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Workforce Needs in the Future and Its Strategy to Meet Those Needs. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/12718.
×

THE NATIONAL ACADEMIES

Advisers to the Nation on Science, Engineering, and Medicine


The National Academy of Sciences is a private, nonprofit, self-perpetuating society of distinguished scholars engaged in scientific and engineering research, dedicated to the furtherance of science and technology and to their use for the general welfare. Upon the authority of the charter granted to it by the Congress in 1863, the Academy has a mandate that requires it to advise the federal government on scientific and technical matters. Dr. Ralph J. Cicerone is president of the National Academy of Sciences.


The National Academy of Engineering was established in 1964, under the charter of the National Academy of Sciences, as a parallel organization of outstanding engineers. It is autonomous in its administration and in the selection of its members, sharing with the National Academy of Sciences the responsibility for advising the federal government. The National Academy of Engineering also sponsors engineering programs aimed at meeting national needs, encourages education and research, and recognizes the superior achievements of engineers. Dr. Charles M. Vest is president of the National Academy of Engineering.


The Institute of Medicine was established in 1970 by the National Academy of Sciences to secure the services of eminent members of appropriate professions in the examination of policy matters pertaining to the health of the public. The Institute acts under the responsibility given to the National Academy of Sciences by its congressional charter to be an adviser to the federal government and, upon its own initiative, to identify issues of medical care, research, and education. Dr. Harvey V. Fineberg is president of the Institute of Medicine.


The National Research Council was organized by the National Academy of Sciences in 1916 to associate the broad community of science and technology with the Academy’s purposes of furthering knowledge and advising the federal government. Functioning in accordance with general policies determined by the Academy, the Council has become the principal operating agency of both the National Academy of Sciences and the National Academy of Engineering in providing services to the government, the public, and the scientific and engineering communities. The Council is administered jointly by both Academies and the Institute of Medicine. Dr. Ralph J. Cicerone and Dr. Charles M. Vest are chair and vice chair, respectively, of the National Research Council.


www.national-academies.org

Suggested Citation:"Front Matter." National Research Council. 2010. Examination of the U.S. Air Force's Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Workforce Needs in the Future and Its Strategy to Meet Those Needs. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/12718.
×
Suggested Citation:"Front Matter." National Research Council. 2010. Examination of the U.S. Air Force's Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Workforce Needs in the Future and Its Strategy to Meet Those Needs. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/12718.
×

COMMITTEE ON EXAMINATION OF THE U.S. AIR FORCE’S SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, ENGINEERING, AND MATHEMATICS (STEM) WORKFORCE NEEDS IN THE FUTURE AND ITS STRATEGY TO MEET THOSE NEEDS

NATALIE W. CRAWFORD,

The RAND Corporation,

Co-Chair

GEORGE K. MUELLNER,

American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics,

Co-Chair

WILLIAM P. ARD,

Point One, Inc.

JAMES B. ARMOR, JR.,

The Armor Group, LLC

EARL H. DOWELL,

Duke University

RICHARD P. HALLION,

National Air and Space Museum of the Smithsonian Institution

MICHAEL A. HAMEL,

U.S. Air Force (retired)

RAY M. HAYNES,

Northrop Grumman

LEON A. JOHNSON,

United Parcel Service

LESTER McFAWN,

Wright Brothers Institute

MICHAEL C. McMAHAN,

Abilene Chamber of Commerce

DONALD L. PETERSON,

U.S. Air Force (retired)

LEIF E. PETERSON,

Advanced HR Concepts and Solutions (resigned from the committee on July 14, 2009)

ALBERT A. ROBBERT,

The RAND Corporation

PAULA E. STEPHAN,

Georgia State University

TODD I. STEWART,

Michigan Technological University

RONALD W. YATES,

U.S. Air Force (retired)

Staff

JAMES C. GARCIA, Senior Program Officer (through January, 2010)

ROBERT KATT, Editorial Consultant

KAMARA E. BROWN, Research Associate

ZEIDA PATMON, Program Associate

MARGUERITE SCHNEIDER, Administrative Coordinator

URRIKKA WOODS, Program Associate (through February, 2010)

Suggested Citation:"Front Matter." National Research Council. 2010. Examination of the U.S. Air Force's Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Workforce Needs in the Future and Its Strategy to Meet Those Needs. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/12718.
×

AIR FORCE STUDIES BOARD

GREGORY S. MARTIN,

GS Martin Consulting,

Chair

PAMELA A. DREW,

TASC, Inc.,

Vice Chair

MARSHA J. BERGER,

New York University

THOMAS J. BURNS,

SET Corporation

THOMAS DARCY,

EADS North America Defense Company

KENNETH E. EICKMANN,

U.S. Air Force (retired)

JOHN V. FARR,

Stevens Institute of Technology

RAND H. FISHER,

Aerospace Corporation

MICHAEL J. GIANELLI,

Boeing Company (retired)

JACQUELINE GISH,

Northrop Grumman Corporation

LESLIE GREENGARD,

New York University

KENNETH C. HALL,

Duke University

WESLEY L. HARRIS,

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

PAUL G. KAMINSKI,

Technovation, Inc.

LESLIE KENNE,

LK Associates

LESTER L. LYLES,

The Lyles Group

DEBASIS MITRA,

Bell Laboratories

MATT L. MLEZIVA,

Wildwood Strategic Concepts

GERALD F. PERRYMAN, JR.,

Raytheon Company

GENE W. RAY,

GMT Ventures

MARVIN R. SAMBUR,

Headquarters, U.S. Air Force (retired)

J. DANIEL STEWART,

University of Tennessee

Staff

MICHAEL A. CLARKE, Director

JESSICA BROKENBURR, Financial Assistant

KAMARA E. BROWN, Research Associate

WILLIAM E. CAMPBELL, Senior Program Associate (through May 2010)

SARAH CAPOTE, Research Associate

LISA COCKRELL, Senior Program Associate (through August 2009)

GREGORY EYRING, Senior Program Officer

CARTER W. FORD, Program Officer

JAMES C. GARCIA, Senior Program Officer (through January 2010)

CHRIS JONES, Financial Manager

ZEIDA PATMON, Program Associate

MARGUERITE SCHNEIDER, Administrative Coordinator

DANIEL E.J. TALMAGE, JR., Program Officer

SHANNON THOMAS, Program Associate

URRIKKA B. WOODS, Program Associate (through February 2010)

Suggested Citation:"Front Matter." National Research Council. 2010. Examination of the U.S. Air Force's Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Workforce Needs in the Future and Its Strategy to Meet Those Needs. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/12718.
×

Preface

Technical capabilities have always been critical to the missions and roles of the U.S. Air Force in military operations, and these capabilities are rooted in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). Airmen with such knowledge and skills have played significant roles in career fields across the Air Force, with the science and engineering (S&E) and acquisition career fields receiving the most obvious benefits.

For a variety of reasons, concerns have arisen over the future of both the military and civilian contingents of the Air Force’s STEM workforce. Emerging mission areas, particularly in the space and cyber domains, as well as increasing use of technologically sophisticated systems, such as unmanned air systems, are expanding the need for new technical skills and expertise. Simultaneously, force reductions, ongoing military operations, and budget pressures are creating new challenges for attracting and managing the needed technical skills. Assessments of recent development and acquisition-process failures have identified loss of organic technical competence as an underlying problem. A growing percentage of science and engineering graduates in the United States are foreign citizens and thus ineligible for the security clearances that many jobs in the Air Force and in the aerospace industry require. The existing STEM workforce is aging, with many individuals nearing retirement. Women and minorities are underrepresented in most S&E educational pursuits at a time when they constitute the majority of college students and therefore the majority of the future workforce. The market for STEM-educated U.S. citizens is becoming much more competitive.

Anticipating this challenge, the Air Force Deputy Chief of Staff for Manpower and Personnel and the Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Science, Technology, and Engineering asked the National Research Council (NRC) to examine the Air Force’s STEM workforce needs in the future and its strategy to meet those needs. In response, the NRC formed the ad hoc Committee on Examination of the U.S. Air Force's Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Workforce Needs in the Future and Its Strategy to Meet Those Needs to conduct this examination. This report contains the results of the committee’s work.

The committee acknowledges and appreciates the contribution of the members of the Air Force Studies Board (AFSB) of the National Research Council for developing the study statement of task in concert with the Air Force sponsor. The committee also thanks the many persons who provided information to the committee, including the guest speakers listed in Appendix B, their organizations, and supporting staff members; the many Air Force officer, enlisted, and civilian functional managers and career field managers who responded to the committee’s inquiries; others, including The Honorable Claude Bolton, General John Corley, and Maj Gen David Eidsaune; and the Air Force study sponsor, Terry Jaggers, and his staff members, including Col Jim Fisher, Maj Dan Doyle, and Barb Hunter. The committee is also grateful to the NRC staff members who provided their dedicated support throughout the study.

Page viii Cite
Suggested Citation:"Front Matter." National Research Council. 2010. Examination of the U.S. Air Force's Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Workforce Needs in the Future and Its Strategy to Meet Those Needs. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/12718.
×

Finally, as co-chairs of the study committee, we extend special thanks to the committee members for the commitment and diligence that enabled us to complete the task successfully.


Natalie W. Crawford, Co-Chair

George K. Muellner, Co-Chair

Committee on Examination of the U.S. Air Force’s Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Workforce Needs in the Future and Its Strategy to Meet Those Needs

Suggested Citation:"Front Matter." National Research Council. 2010. Examination of the U.S. Air Force's Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Workforce Needs in the Future and Its Strategy to Meet Those Needs. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/12718.
×

Acknowledgment of Reviewers

This report has been reviewed in draft form by individuals chosen for their diverse perspectives and technical expertise, in accordance with procedures approved by the National Research Council’s Report Review Committee. The purpose of this independent review is to provide candid and critical comments that will assist the institution in making its published report as sound as possible and to ensure that the report meets institutional standards for objectivity, evidence, and responsiveness to the study charge. The review comments and draft manuscript remain confidential to protect the integrity of the deliberative process. We wish to thank the following individuals for their review of this report:

Beth J. Asch, RAND Corporation,

Robert J. Beichner, North Carolina State University,

Donald G. Cook, U.S. Air Force (retired),

Richard B. Freeman, Harvard University,

Allison A. Hickey, Accenture National Security Services,

Timothy C. Jones, Northrop Grumman Corporation,

Donald A. Lamontagne, Star Mountain Consulting, Inc.,

Robert H. Latiff, George Mason University,

Mark J. Lewis, University of Maryland,

William Maikisch, U.S. Air Force (retired),

Richard R. Paul, Boeing (retired),

Sharon B. Seymour, U.S. Air Force (retired),

Jan Eakle Terrell, Shippensburg University, and

Sheila Widnall, (NAE), Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

Although the reviewers listed above provided many constructive comments and suggestions, they were not asked to endorse the conclusions or recommendations, nor did they see the final draft of the report before its release. The review of this report was overseen by Lawrence D. Brown (NAS), University of Pennsylvania, and Elsa M. Garmire (NAE), Dartmouth College. Appointed by the National Research Council, they were responsible for making certain that an independent examination of this report was carried out in accordance with institutional procedures and that all review comments were carefully considered. Responsibility for the final content of this report rests entirely with the authoring committee and the institution.

Suggested Citation:"Front Matter." National Research Council. 2010. Examination of the U.S. Air Force's Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Workforce Needs in the Future and Its Strategy to Meet Those Needs. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/12718.
×
Suggested Citation:"Front Matter." National Research Council. 2010. Examination of the U.S. Air Force's Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Workforce Needs in the Future and Its Strategy to Meet Those Needs. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/12718.
×

Contents

 

 

SUMMARY

 

1

1

 

INTRODUCTION

 

12

   

 The Importance of STEM Capabilities to the Air Force,

 

12

   

 Concerns About the Future STEM Workforce,

 

13

   

 Statement of Task and Committee Approach,

 

14

   

 Statement of Task,

 

14

   

 Assessment of Future Needs,

 

15

   

 Definitions for Key Concepts,

 

16

   

 Organization of This Report,

 

18

   

 References,

 

18

2

 

ROLE OF STEM CAPABILITIES IN ACHIEVING THE AIR FORCE VISION AND STRATEGY

 

20

 

 

STEM Needs Across Air Force Missions and Domains,

 

20

   

 Airpower and Nuclear Deterrence,

 

20

   

 Emerging Technologies,

 

21

   

 Space,

 

21

   

 Cyberspace,

 

23

   

 STEM Capability in Other Air Force Domains,

 

24

   

 STEM Skills and Experience in the Acquisition Life Cycle,

 

24

   

 Concept Refinement and Requirements Definition,

 

25

   

 Science and Technology Development,

 

25

   

 System Development and Demonstration,

 

25

   

 Production and Deployment,

 

26

   

 Operations and Support,

 

26

   

 STEM-Degreed Personnel in the Current Air Force Workforce,

 

26

   

 Current Occupational Requirements for a STEM Degree,

 

26

   

 STEM-Degreed Officers Across the Workforce,

 

27

   

 STEM-Degreed Civilian Personnel Across the Workforce,

 

29

   

 Perceived Role of STEM Capability in Air Force Core Competencies and the Air Force Strategic Plan,

 

29

   

 Findings and Recommendations,

 

30

   

 References,

 

32

3

 

AIR FORCE CAREER FIELDS AND OCCUPATIONS THAT CURRENTLY REQUIRE A STEM DEGREE

 

34

   

 Issues for Officer Career Fields Requiring a STEM Degree,

 

34

   

 Assignments versus Authorizations,

 

34

   

 Captain-to-Lieutenant Ratios,

 

35

   

 Field-Grade Officer Manning,

 

37

   

 Career Path for Officer Scientists and Engineers,

 

37

   

 Perceptions from the Air Force STEM Communities,

 

38

   

 Conclusions on Officer Manning Issues,

 

38

   

 Civilian Occupational Series That Currently Require a STEM Degree,

 

40

Suggested Citation:"Front Matter." National Research Council. 2010. Examination of the U.S. Air Force's Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Workforce Needs in the Future and Its Strategy to Meet Those Needs. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/12718.
×
   

 Aging of the Civilian Workforce in STEM Occupations,

 

40

   

 Civilian Scientist and Engineer Career Paths,

 

41

   

 Leadership Assessment of Current Workforce Adequacy,

 

42

   

 Air Force Personnel Center,

 

42

   

 Air Force Space Command,

 

42

   

 Additional Perspectives from Senior Leaders and Managers,

 

43

   

 Findings,

 

44

4

 

STEM PERSONNEL IN THE ACQUISITION WORKFORCE

 

45

   

 Defining the Acquisition Workforce,

 

45

   

 The Acquisition Corps and the Defense Acquisition Workforce Improvement Act,

 

46

   

 DAWIA Implementation Through the APDP,

 

47

   

 DAWIA and APDP Educational Requirements for the Acquisition Corps,

 

47

   

 Acquisition Management Career Path and Training Flow,

 

48

   

 Manning Ratio Issues,

 

49

   

 Senior Officer Preparation for Acquisition Leadership,

 

50

   

 Contract Labor for System Engineering, Technical Assistance, and FFRDC Support,

 

50

   

 Additional Leadership Assessments of Current Acquisition Workforce Adequacy,

 

52

   

 An Overview from the Director of Acquisition and Career Management,

 

52

   

 Headquarters AFMC,

 

53

   

 AFMC Product Centers,

 

54

   

 Air Force Research Laboratory and Arnold Engineering and Development Center,

 

56

   

 Findings and Recommendations,

 

57

   

 Reference,

 

58

5

 

THE CURRENT AND FUTURE U.S. STEM-DEGREED WORKFORCE,

 

59

   

 A Functional Profile of a Member of the STEM-Degreed Workforce,

 

59

   

 Will Supply Meet Demand for the U.S. STEM-Degreed Workforce?,

 

60

   

 Concern About the Educational Pipeline,

 

60

   

 Declining U.S. Student Interest in Science and Mathematics,

 

61

   

 Inadequate State Resources to Invest in Education,

 

61

   

 Are Incentives to Enter STEM Careers Declining?,

 

62

   

 Uncertainties in the Number of U.S. Citizens Earning Advanced STEM Degrees,

 

64

   

 Aging of the STEM Workforce,

 

65

   

 Women and Underrepresented Minorities in the STEM-Degreed Workforce,

 

65

   

 Women and Minorities in the Current Workforce,

 

66

   

 Increasing Women’s Role in the Future STEM Workforce,

 

67

   

 Increasing Minorities’ Role in the Future STEM Workforce,

 

67

   

 Programs to Increase the STEM-Degreed Workforce,

 

69

   

 Programs Supported by Industry and Professional Organizations,

 

69

   

 Two Successful Programs with Air Force Sponsorship,

 

70

   

 Project Lead the Way,

 

71

   

 Findings and Recommendations,

 

72

   

 References,

 

72

Page xiii Cite
Suggested Citation:"Front Matter." National Research Council. 2010. Examination of the U.S. Air Force's Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Workforce Needs in the Future and Its Strategy to Meet Those Needs. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/12718.
×

6

 

MANAGING STEM PERSONNEL TO MEET FUTURE STEM NEEDS ACROSS THE AIR FORCE

 

75

   

 An Active Management System for STEM-Degreed and STEM-Cognizant Personnel,

 

75

   

 Management Approaches Considered and Rejected,

 

76

   

 The Need to Model Personnel Management Options,

 

77

   

 The Rated Management System as a Paradigm for STEM Management,

 

77

   

 STEM Management and Prior Officer Development Initiatives,

 

79

   

 Meeting Future Needs for Officers with STEM Capabilities,

 

81

   

 Retaining STEM-Degreed Officers,

 

82

   

 Assignment of STEM-Degreed Personnel,

 

83

   

 Military Promotions of STEM-Degreed Officers,

 

84

   

 Options for Meeting STEM Needs with the Existing STEM-Degreed Officer Workforce,

 

84

   

 Acquiring Additional Officer Assets,

 

87

   

 Meeting Future Needs for STEM-Degreed Civilian Employees,

 

92

   

 Managing and Retaining Existing Civilian Personnel Assets,

 

92

   

 Acquiring Additional Civilian Assets,

 

93

   

 Contract Support to Provide STEM-Degreed Personnel—Issues and Options,

 

96

   

 SETA Support,

 

97

   

 FFRDCs,

 

97

   

 Appropriate Use of Contractor Support,

 

97

   

 References,

 

98

7

 

THE NEED FOR ACTION

 

100

 

 

APPENDIXES

 

 

   

 A  Biographical Sketches of Committee Members

 

105

   

 B  Meetings and Speakers

 

112

   

 C  Supporting Demographic Data

 

115

   

 D  Air Force STEM Workforce

 

119

   

 E  Length of Time to Fill Civilian Positions

 

132

   

 F  Applying Basic Rated Management Process and Model to STEM

 

136

   

 G  Scientists, Engineers, and the Air Force: An Uncertain Legacy

 

145

Suggested Citation:"Front Matter." National Research Council. 2010. Examination of the U.S. Air Force's Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Workforce Needs in the Future and Its Strategy to Meet Those Needs. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/12718.
×
Suggested Citation:"Front Matter." National Research Council. 2010. Examination of the U.S. Air Force's Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Workforce Needs in the Future and Its Strategy to Meet Those Needs. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/12718.
×

Acronyms

ABET Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology

ACAT Acquisition Category

AEDC Arnold Engineering and Development Center

AF/A1 Air Force Deputy Chief of Staff for Manpower and Personnel

AFDD Air Force Doctrine Document

AFFTC Air Force Flight Test Center

AFIT Air Force Institute of Technology

AFMC Air Force Materiel Command

AFOSR Air Force Office of Scientific Research

AFPC Air Force Personnel Center

AFPD Air Force Policy Directive

AFRAMS Air Force Rated Aircrew Management System

AFRL Air Force Research Laboratory

AFROTC Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps

AFSB Air Force Studies Board

AFSC Air Force Specialty Code

AFSLMO Air Force Senior Leader Management Office

AFSPC Air Force Space Command

AIA Aerospace Industries Association

AIAA American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics

APDP Acquisition Professional Development Program

ASC Aeronautical Systems Center

AT&L Acquisition, Technology and Logistics

BRAC Base Realignment and Closure

BTZ Below-the-Zone

CAP Critical Acquisition Position

CASPAR Computer-Aided Science Policy Analysis and Research

CONOPS Concept of Operations

CSAF Chief of Staff, Air Force

CSO Combat Systems Officer

DAL Developing Air Force Leaders

DAWIA Defense Acquisition Workforce Improvement Act

DOD Department of Defense

ESC Electronic Systems Center

FFRDC Federally Funded Research and Development Center

FMDC Force Management and Development Council

GAO U.S. Government Accountability Office

GATM Global Air Traffic Management

GOMO General Officer Management Office

Suggested Citation:"Front Matter." National Research Council. 2010. Examination of the U.S. Air Force's Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Workforce Needs in the Future and Its Strategy to Meet Those Needs. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/12718.
×

ICL Institutional Competency List

IDEAS Interactive Demographic Analysis System

IPA Intergovernmental Personnel Act

IPZ In-the-Promotion Zone

IT Information Technology

LEAD Leaders Encouraging Airmen Development

NPS Naval Postgraduate School

NRC National Research Council

NRPP Non-Rated Prioritization Plan

NSF National Science Foundation

NSPS National Security Personnel System

O&M Operations and Maintenance

OSD Office of the Secretary Defense

OTS Officer Training School

PBD Program Budget Decision

PLTW Project Lead the Way

R&D Research and Development

RDT&E Research, Development, Test and Evaluation

RMDSS Rated Management Decision Support System

ROTC Reserve Officer Training Corps

RPA remotely piloted aircraft

S&E science and engineering

SAF/AQ Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Acquisition

SAF/AQR Science, Technology, and Engineering Directorate of the Office of the Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Acquisition

SAF/AQXD Air Force Director of Acquisition and Career Management

SE&I Systems Engineering and Integration

SES Senior Executive Service

SETA Systems Engineering and Technical Assistance

SL senior level

SMC Space & Missile Systems Center

SOC standard occupational classification

ST scientific and professional [level]

STARBASE Science and Technology Academies Reinforcing Basic Aviation and Space Exploration

STEM Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics

TTP Tactics, Techniques, Procedures

USAF U.S. Air Force

USAFA U.S. Air Force Academy

USC United States Code

VCSAF Vice Chief of Staff of the Air Force

Suggested Citation:"Front Matter." National Research Council. 2010. Examination of the U.S. Air Force's Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Workforce Needs in the Future and Its Strategy to Meet Those Needs. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/12718.
×
Page R1
Suggested Citation:"Front Matter." National Research Council. 2010. Examination of the U.S. Air Force's Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Workforce Needs in the Future and Its Strategy to Meet Those Needs. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/12718.
×
Page R2
Suggested Citation:"Front Matter." National Research Council. 2010. Examination of the U.S. Air Force's Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Workforce Needs in the Future and Its Strategy to Meet Those Needs. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/12718.
×
Page R3
Suggested Citation:"Front Matter." National Research Council. 2010. Examination of the U.S. Air Force's Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Workforce Needs in the Future and Its Strategy to Meet Those Needs. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/12718.
×
Page R4
Suggested Citation:"Front Matter." National Research Council. 2010. Examination of the U.S. Air Force's Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Workforce Needs in the Future and Its Strategy to Meet Those Needs. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/12718.
×
Page R5
Suggested Citation:"Front Matter." National Research Council. 2010. Examination of the U.S. Air Force's Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Workforce Needs in the Future and Its Strategy to Meet Those Needs. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/12718.
×
Page R6
Suggested Citation:"Front Matter." National Research Council. 2010. Examination of the U.S. Air Force's Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Workforce Needs in the Future and Its Strategy to Meet Those Needs. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/12718.
×
Page R7
Page viii Cite
Suggested Citation:"Front Matter." National Research Council. 2010. Examination of the U.S. Air Force's Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Workforce Needs in the Future and Its Strategy to Meet Those Needs. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/12718.
×
Page R8
Suggested Citation:"Front Matter." National Research Council. 2010. Examination of the U.S. Air Force's Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Workforce Needs in the Future and Its Strategy to Meet Those Needs. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/12718.
×
Page R9
Suggested Citation:"Front Matter." National Research Council. 2010. Examination of the U.S. Air Force's Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Workforce Needs in the Future and Its Strategy to Meet Those Needs. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/12718.
×
Page R10
Suggested Citation:"Front Matter." National Research Council. 2010. Examination of the U.S. Air Force's Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Workforce Needs in the Future and Its Strategy to Meet Those Needs. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/12718.
×
Page R11
Suggested Citation:"Front Matter." National Research Council. 2010. Examination of the U.S. Air Force's Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Workforce Needs in the Future and Its Strategy to Meet Those Needs. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/12718.
×
Page R12
Page xiii Cite
Suggested Citation:"Front Matter." National Research Council. 2010. Examination of the U.S. Air Force's Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Workforce Needs in the Future and Its Strategy to Meet Those Needs. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/12718.
×
Page R13
Suggested Citation:"Front Matter." National Research Council. 2010. Examination of the U.S. Air Force's Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Workforce Needs in the Future and Its Strategy to Meet Those Needs. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/12718.
×
Page R14
Suggested Citation:"Front Matter." National Research Council. 2010. Examination of the U.S. Air Force's Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Workforce Needs in the Future and Its Strategy to Meet Those Needs. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/12718.
×
Page R15
Suggested Citation:"Front Matter." National Research Council. 2010. Examination of the U.S. Air Force's Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Workforce Needs in the Future and Its Strategy to Meet Those Needs. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/12718.
×
Page R16
Next: Summary »
Examination of the U.S. Air Force's Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Workforce Needs in the Future and Its Strategy to Meet Those Needs Get This Book
×
Buy Paperback | $55.00 Buy Ebook | $43.99
MyNAP members save 10% online.
Login or Register to save!
Download Free PDF

The Air Force requires technical skills and expertise across the entire range of activities and processes associated with the development, fielding, and employment of air, space, and cyber operational capabilities. The growing complexity of both traditional and emerging missions is placing new demands on education, training, career development, system acquisition, platform sustainment, and development of operational systems. While in the past the Air Force's technologically intensive mission has been highly attractive to individuals educated in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) disciplines, force reductions, ongoing military operations, and budget pressures are creating new challenges for attracting and managing personnel with the needed technical skills. Assessments of recent development and acquisition process failures have identified a loss of technical competence within the Air Force (that is, in house or organic competence, as opposed to contractor support) as an underlying problem. These challenges come at a time of increased competition for technical graduates who are U.S. citizens, an aging industry and government workforce, and consolidations of the industrial base that supports military systems.

In response to a request from the Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Science, Technology, and Engineering, the National Research Council conducted five fact-finding meetings at which senior Air Force commanders in the science and engineering, acquisition, test, operations, and logistics domains provided assessments of the adequacy of the current workforce in terms of quality and quantity.

  1. ×

    Welcome to OpenBook!

    You're looking at OpenBook, NAP.edu's online reading room since 1999. Based on feedback from you, our users, we've made some improvements that make it easier than ever to read thousands of publications on our website.

    Do you want to take a quick tour of the OpenBook's features?

    No Thanks Take a Tour »
  2. ×

    Show this book's table of contents, where you can jump to any chapter by name.

    « Back Next »
  3. ×

    ...or use these buttons to go back to the previous chapter or skip to the next one.

    « Back Next »
  4. ×

    Jump up to the previous page or down to the next one. Also, you can type in a page number and press Enter to go directly to that page in the book.

    « Back Next »
  5. ×

    Switch between the Original Pages, where you can read the report as it appeared in print, and Text Pages for the web version, where you can highlight and search the text.

    « Back Next »
  6. ×

    To search the entire text of this book, type in your search term here and press Enter.

    « Back Next »
  7. ×

    Share a link to this book page on your preferred social network or via email.

    « Back Next »
  8. ×

    View our suggested citation for this chapter.

    « Back Next »
  9. ×

    Ready to take your reading offline? Click here to buy this book in print or download it as a free PDF, if available.

    « Back Next »
Stay Connected!