Engineer Memoirs _____________________________________________________________________
SUBJECT: OPMS Command Selection and Selection of District Engineers
Advantages:
(1) Each board considers single set of criteria.
(2) Improves visibility of district engineer positions in Army.
(3) Provides board creditability to each selection.
Disadvantages:
(1) Does not remove 2d class no-command stigma from District Engineers.
(2) Creates "3d Class" citizens.
(3) Complicates overall selection process--which board meets first?
(4) Restricts assignment flexibility unnecessarily.
(5) Requires another board.
7. Analysis of above factors.
a. Selection Criteria. The subject of different eligibility and selection criteria addressed in
advantages and disadvantages assumes there will be different criteria. The current Chief of Engineers
told the OPMS steering group that he was looking for the same type leader for district engineer as
desired for troop commander. Considering the discussion in paragraph 4 above this appears valid--
for an engineer the progression in command is platoon - company, battalion, and the group/district.
For each of the latter two, the primary prerequisite is successful demonstration of performance in
command.
b. "Maintain a clear cut distinction of troop command." Apparently other command names on
branch list from one board should not abuse the distinction. That distinction is set out by the
adjective "troop." District engineers are not troop commanders. Although some troop commands
have more troops than some engineer districts. A common board list is adjusting OPMS command
selection procedures to the peculiarities of a single branch. I believe that OPMS should be so
adaptable to be right for any branch.
c. "Increases assignment turbulence by permitting premature rotation of officers from District
Engineer positions to troop command." This can be taken care of by other modifications to current
procedures,--by increasing the year span of consideration and by permitting up to two year
deferment. Both of these might contradict other objectives of the selection system.
d. Alternative II - "Permits Engineer colonels to indicate a preference for district or troop
command." --In answer to the 6 July 1972 message many colonels commented to me they preferred
A-4
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