The health of the Joint Force depends on attracting and retaining the talent it needs to defend the U.S. homeland, deter strategic attacks, prevail in conflict, and build enduring advantages. Key questions include: What skill sets and subject areas may require different approaches to recruitment, career progression, and retention? What lessons can be learned from allies and partners' approaches to recruitment, career progression, and retention? ARC submissions should describe one or more alternative models for recruitment, career progression, and retention available to DoD (to potentially include options that move away from an all-volunteer force), and analyze the risks of the model(s) considered.
- Adams, Maj. Amara, "Overcoming Barriers to the Career Intermission Program: Proposed DoD Year Group Reset Initiative as an Alternative Retention Program," ACSC elective paper, 2023, 10 pgs.
- Anchustegui, Maj. Michael J. "Two Front War: Combating the US Manpower Shortage Facing a Great Power Competition," AF Global College thesis, 2025, 33 pgs.
- Boghean, Lt. Col. Lucian, "Leading the Multi-Generational Force: A Study of Leadership Dynamics in Contemporary Military Organizations," AF Global College thesis, 2024, 53 pgs.
- Edwards III, Capt. Henry et al, "Familiarization Initiative Team--Task Force FIT," SOS AUAR, 2024, 11 pgs.
- Erchinger, Capt. Christian et al, "Preparing Families for Modern Conflict," SOS AUAR 2024, 17 pgs.
- Gillaspy, Capt. Jacquelyn et al, "Homesteading," SOS AUAR, 2024, 9 pgs.
- Haynes, Capt. Allyson, "White Paper on Recruiting and Retention: GI Bill Amendment," SOS AUR, 2024, 10 pgs.
- Marietta, Maj. Kelli, "The Shrinking Pool of Recruits: The Growing National Security Crisis," AF Global College thesis, 2024, 52 pgs.
- Martin, Maj. Meleah, "Beyond Barriers: Investigating the Impact of Limited Military Healthcare Coverage for Assisted Reproductive Technologies on Recruitment and Retention," AF Global College thesis, 2024, 43 pgs.
- Matthews, Lt. Col. Lindsay, "Understanding Public Service Motivation in American Military Servicemembers and Government Civilians," AWC Strategic Studies Paper, 2020, 30 pgs.
- McDaniel, Lt. Col. Michael, "Building the Force: A Historical Look at the Elements of Successful Military Mobilization," AWC Strategic Studies paper, 2020, 28 pgs.
- Pazak, Col. Stephen M., "The Recipe for Sustaining the All Volunteer Army," AWC Strategic Studies Paper, 2020, 29 pgs.
- Raymond, Lt. Col. Anthony, "Improving Air Force Commander Training for Effective Talent Management," AWC paper, 2025, 36 pgs.
- Rybar, CDR Aaron, "Naval Aviation Retention & The Cost of Retaining Tomorrow's Senior Leaders," AWC Strategic Studies Paper, 2019, 27 pgs.
- SOS AUAR Team (Furlong et al), "Bullet Background Paper on Constructive Credit," SOS AUAR, 2024, 2 pgs.
- Spiro, Maj. Trevor, "Reshaping Talent Management in the USAF to Develop Better Leaders," AF Global College thesis, 2025, 39 pgs.
- Stanley III, Lt. Col. Dale W., "Changing the Paradigm: Developing an Aviator Technical Track," AWC Strategic Studies paper, 2018, 30 pgs.
- Stewart, Melissa, "The Military's Recruitment Crisis: Insufficient Interest from America's Youth and Young Adults," AF Global College thesis, 2024, 43 pgs.