Executive Summary
This thesis compares U.S. Navy Naval Construction Force (Seabee) personnel with civilian construction workers using the Workforce Assessment Package. It identifies challenges in recruiting, training, and retaining skilled craft workers in both sectors. The study provides recommendations based on the strengths and weaknesses found in the comparison, aiming to improve workforce management for both military and civilian construction.
Why It Matters
This document is crucial for defense analysts as it examines the critical issue of workforce readiness and skill retention within the U.S. Navy's construction capabilities, directly impacting military operational effectiveness and support for expeditionary forces. Understanding these challenges and proposed solutions can inform future military recruitment, training, and retention strategies.
Key Takeaways
- Both the U.S. Navy and civilian construction industry face significant challenges in recruiting, training, and retaining skilled craft workers.
- The Workforce Assessment Package (WAP) is a valuable tool for identifying workforce skill levels and management issues in both military and civilian contexts.
- Recommendations are provided to both the NCF and civilian construction sectors to address identified strengths and weaknesses in their respective workforces.
- Seabees are inherently multi-skilled, trained in various construction crafts and combat skills, making them a unique and critical asset.
- The U.S. Navy's Task Force EXCEL initiative aims to shift training focus from functional areas to individual needs to improve efficiency and utilization of qualified personnel.
Strategic Relevance
The ability to recruit, train, and retain skilled construction personnel is fundamental to the U.S. Navy's global operational readiness and its capacity to support expeditionary forces and maintain infrastructure. This study's findings directly impact the strategic planning for military engineering and logistics, ensuring the NCF can effectively 'build and fight' in diverse environments.