Centralized Control versus Command Flexibility at the Installation

摘要

The basic issue is whether or not the installation commander has lost the flexibility to adjust funding programs in dealing with changing requirements and operating conditions. Data was gathered using a literature search and personal interviews with resource managers of selected installations. The growing number of management initiatives when manpower has been capped and operating funds are constrained by force modernization, translates into missions without resources. To accomplish more using less resources, the commander must be unhindered by program and budget constraints that unduly restricts his flexibility. Therefore, it is concluded that the establishment and micromanagement of economies, efficiencies, and productivity improvement programs, by higher headquarters, have effectively exacerbated a serious resource problem at the installation, and threaten to impair the very activities being managed. The Army should take the following actions: eliminate duplication in management programs and ascertain the net value of expected gains at the installation when viewed as a whole; reduce administrative program and budget constraints imposed on the installation; establish a management philosophy which precludes tasking or accepting additional missions without resources; and minimize withholding of funds and encourage Congress to enact appropriations on a timely basis.