Generational Differences in the Officer Corps

This research studied the generational differences between generation X and baby boomers and its relationship with retaining quality officers in the United States Army. Additionally it examined sociological differences consisting of values, career stages, economic trends, enemy threat, milestones, technology, and gender and race relationships that develop between the generations. By using content analysis, ground theory study and a power profile survey the study was able to analysis generational differences and similarities between Xers and boomers. Furthermore, the analysis provided links between the two groups of officers, which may be useful in understanding and retaining thoughts officers in the future force structure. The analysis indicates that there is a relationship between generational differences and retention in the United States officer corps. This relationship was identified in five of the seven sociological differences that were listed above. These differences provided key information which contributed to the development of models that can be used by leaders to decrease the gap or differences between the two generations of officers. It is recommended that senior officers develop a greater understanding of these generational differences in order to retain, train, and understand future junior officers in the United States Army.