A Dynamic Computer Model to Examine Selected Effects of 304XX Career Field Consolidation

In the future, it may be desirable and feasible to consolidate Air Force career fields within groups of career fields that perform similar tasks. This is particularly true within electronics maintenance career fields where advances in technology, notably integrated circuits, are providing more common ground between the individual career specialties. This research develops a dynamic computer model to predict the effect of a consolidation on assignments, manning, and numbers of personnel to be trained. A particular case of consolidating four existing Air Force communications maintenance career fields is investigated in depth through the computer model. The model uses the SLAM simulation language and was run on the CDC Cyber 6600. Conceptually, the model views the assignments process as a continuous flow of personnel to and from overseas. The process of training personnel from the individual career fields into the consolidated career field is modeled as a network activity. The model shows the interactions between training rates, assignments and manpower levels that are present in a consolidation. (Author)