Attracting and Employing Top-Tier Civilian Technical Talent in the Department of the Air Force: A Comparison of Six Occupations with Other Federal Agencies and the Private Sector

This report identifies barriers related to the ability of Department of the Air Force (DAF) hiring authorities and practices to attract and employ top-tier civilian talent in six occupational series: Computer Science, Operations Research, Electronics Engineer, Engineering Technician, Airfield Manager, and Nurse. The authors explore alternative employment options and practices that the DAF may be able to use to better compete for that talent.