The Professional Environment in Army Laboratories and Its Effect on Scientific and Engineering Performance.

In response to a 1982 request by the U.S. Department of the Army, the National Research Council's Board on Army Science and Technology established the Committee on Army Manpower to investigate the professional environments and use of civilian and military scientists/engineers in Army laboratories. The committee's primary objective was to identify steps the Army could take to better ensure that its laboratory personnel contribute most effectively to accomplishing the laboratories' missions. Provided in this document are the committee findings, conclusions, and recommendations which are based on extensive laboratory site visits/interviews, on discussions with experts in the field of human factors research, on the findings/recommendations of prior studies of research and development (R&D) institutions, and on the committee members' experience in managing such institutions. Observations, conclusions, and recommendations are reported in separate sections for: leadership; personnel policies/procedures; policies concerning professional growth and recognition; resources; and R&D programs. The framework for analyzing each of these areas and future trends (considering demography, labor supply/demand and Army plans) are also reported. Supporting documentation (including laboratory staff consulted, questions of the committee when meeting with laboratory personnel, list of principal documents reviewed by the committee, and others) are provided in seven appendixes. (JN)