11. Review of Military Morale and Quality of Life, USD (AT&L), Spring 2001
In early 2001, National Security Presidential Directive #2 tasked the Secretary of Defense to conduct a review of military quality of life and to make recommendations for improvements in key quality-of-life areas. The Secretary of Defense expanded the scope of the study to encompass the broader issue of morale, because of his belief that quality-of-life issues must be addressed in the context of their impact on morale of the total workforce. Chaired by Admiral David Jeremiah, USN a multi-disciplinary working group, drawn from federally-funded research and development centers, academia, and government, took on this challenge.
As a member of the working group, SA staff served as the lead integrator of this important study, working directly with the individual researchers and the review chairman. Briefings and summary papers were prepared for the Secretary of Defense, Congressional hearings, and other senior Department of Defense officials. The principle underlying the recommendations put forth was that a more integrated, comprehensive approach to human resource management was needed to improve morale and ensure a high quality of life for the Department's entire workforce. Such an approach requires the coordinated effort of the Office of the Secretary of Defense and the Services. The working group recommended actions in four priority areas: leadership, force management, workplace, and personnel and family support.
Dr. Steve Wax
Executive Vice President and Chief Technical Officer
Science & Technology Consulting
