Date of Award

3-2023

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science

Department

Department of Operational Sciences

First Advisor

Phillip M. LaCasse, PhD

Abstract

Every two to three years, U.S. Army officers must change duty stations, which entails a selection process based on preferences. Currently, officers are assigned to units using a stable-marriage algorithm. Two impracticalities occur within this process. First, officers are required to submit strictly ranked preferences, not allowing indifference among units. Second, the stable-marriage algorithm does not give flexibility to alternative priorities. This research focuses on two modifications to the current model. First, a mixed integer program is created that allows the user, U.S. Army Human Resources Command, to consider other priorities: unit preferences and maximum officer disappointment. Second, generated data allowing officer indifference is tested and compared to the stable-marriage baseline. These solutions are tested using 25 models, each created by perturbing various parameters. Most models produce equivalent solutions, with differences stemming from placing no priority on maximum officer disappointment. These results are quantified and tested using metrics measuring officer satisfaction, providing insightful knowledge to decision makers weighing policy changes in this process.

AFIT Designator

AFIT-ENS-MS-23-M-151

Comments

A 12-month embargo was observed.

Approved for public release. Case number on file.

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