U.S. Space Force leadership envisions a service in which Guardians transition easily between full- and part-time service to provide greater flexibility as mission needs ebb and flow and to retain talent. Five impediments discussed in this report make it unnecessarily difficult to make these transitions between types of service.

Supporting the U.S. Space Force Single-Component Structure

Impediments for Members Transitioning Between Full-Time and Part-Time Participation

Albert A. Robbert, Lawrence M. Hanser

ResearchPublished May 1, 2023

U.S. Space Force leadership envisions a service in which Guardians transition easily between full- and part-time service to provide greater flexibility as mission needs ebb and flow and to retain talent. Five impediments discussed in this report make it unnecessarily difficult to make these transitions between types of service. These challenges relate to linking individuals to need, scrolling (the legal process for officer appointments), differing benefits for equivalent service, separate pay systems, and complexity in TRICARE plan eligibility. Proposed legislated changes to U.S. Code, Title 10, would address some of these problems.

This research was completed prior to revision of a legislative proposal referred to in the report.

Key Findings

  • Linking individuals to need: When full- and part-time workers are in different units, efficient and effective use of individual part-time workers as a contingent workforce is less likely to be fully realized.
  • Scrolling: Currently, moving from full time (regular) to part time (reserve) or part time to full time requires reappointment as a full-time (regular) or part-time (reserve) officer — a shift that can delay transitions.
  • Different benefits for equivalent service: Service members performing equivalent service receive different benefits as a result of complications inherent in the current duty status system.
  • Separate pay systems: Delays in pay because of shifting between active and reserve pay systems can potentially leave service members with financial hardship.
  • Complexity in TRICARE plan eligibility: Changes in medical coverage can disrupt relationships with preferred care providers for both the service member and his or her dependents.

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Robbert, Albert A. and Lawrence M. Hanser, Supporting the U.S. Space Force Single-Component Structure: Impediments for Members Transitioning Between Full-Time and Part-Time Participation. Santa Monica, CA: RAND Corporation, 2023. https://www.rand.org/pubs/research_reports/RRA1588-1.html.
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The research reported here was commissioned by the U.S. Space Force (USSF) and conducted within the Workforce, Development, and Health Program of RAND Project AIR FORCE.

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