Army Force Structure: Current System for Assigning Troops to Europe Has
Advantages Over Alternatives (Chapter Report, 11/10/93, GAO/NSIAD-94-42).

In GAO's view, a strong case cannot be made for changing the way that
the Army assigns personnel to Europe.  GAO reviewed the following four
alternative force rotation systems: (1) adopting the system used in
Korea of rotating individuals without their dependents, (2) introducing
a unit rotation system without dependents, (3) rotating units without
dependents for short-term training tours, and (4) continuing the current
system of rotating individuals with their dependents.  Although each of
the alternatives could be used to fill at least some Army positions in
Europe, each has drawbacks that limit the extent to which it could be
implemented or pose major logistical problems.  Moreover, while too many
variables exist to accurately compare the alternatives from the
standpoint of cost, two key factors--transportation cost for dependent
moves within the United States and offsetting costs in the United
States--suggest that the alternatives may not yield a cost savings over
the current system.  When key factors are considered, the current system
offers many advantages over the alternatives GAO considered.  Moreover,
given ongoing efforts to consolidate operations and boost efficiency,
substantial cost savings should accrue even without a change in the
current system.

--------------------------- Indexing Terms -----------------------------

 REPORTNUM:  NSIAD-94-42
     TITLE:  Army Force Structure: Current System for Assigning Troops 
             to Europe Has Advantages Over Alternatives
      DATE:  11/10/93
   SUBJECT:  Army personnel
             Reductions in force
             Combat readiness
             Military training
             Military cost control
             Employee transfers
             Armed forces abroad
             Defense contingency planning
             Army facilities
             Military dependents
IDENTIFIER:  Europe
             Desert Storm
             NATO
             Warsaw Pact
             Korea
             NATO Status of Forces Agreement
             Army Brigade 75/76 Program
             M1A1 Tank
             M1 Tank
             Grafenwoehr (Germany)
             Hohenfels (Germany)
             Mannheim (Germany)
             Persian Gulf
             
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