Reflect on the changes needed in The United States Army and explain what you learned through this experience. Use the organizational development (OD) process learning model to guide your discussion on
Organizational Analysis and Feedback for the U.S. Army
Data Collection and Analysis Summary
Introduction
The main issue arises about the morale and conditions of the working personnel that affect the operations of the U.S. Army. Factors including multiple deployments, restricted time for decompression, and limited access to counseling contribute to low morale and high churn rates. It is for this reason that this analysis aims to elaborate on these issues in detail and come up with practical measures that can enhance morale to enable the Army to continue being effective.
Data Collection Process
Primary sources of data were direct observation, informal interviews, and archival research and each had its own characteristics of morale and readiness situation in the U.S. Army.
Direct Observations
The observations were made in several Army units; I paid attention to what soldiers were doing throughout the day, how they interacted with their peers, and whether they showed any signs of fatigue or signs of stress. Performing such routines enabled one to see how high operational pressures affect fatigue and stress levels. These observations demonstrated that high operational tempos and low levels of recovery erode soldiers' morale and indicated the following necessity of a more systematic approach to the issue of decompression.
Informal Interviews
Each of the operators was asked for an informal interview with the soldiers of every rank. A significant number of participants reported problems relating to deployment, such as long hours separated from loved ones, few opportunities to take leisure, and inadequate access to counseling. Troops pointed out that the operational rhythm barely provides adequate time for rest hence they are tired and feel unappreciated. Such feedback highlighted how little recovery time is a morale and long-term preparedness issue.
Secondary Research
Secondary research built on these findings especially looking at research specific to the military on morale and mental health. In the course of the study, other military-related organizations' literature reviews showed negative effects such as low morale and readiness because of issues like frequent deployment and lack of adequate mental health support. These outcomes supported and extended the insights gained from observations and interviews emphasizing the importance of available mental health services and acquitting adequate time-based arrangements to keep staff prepared all the time.
Data Analysis Process
After gathering the data, thematic analysis was conducted to identify recurring issues across three main themes: skill deployment rates, available counseling and other related services, and job advancement. These themes offered a framework for making sense of more basic factors related to morale and readiness concerns.
Deployment Frequency
Long and multiple tours became apparent as another voluntary determinant of force well-being. For example, data proved that soldiers often complain of fatigue as they work for long hours without a break between deployments. This high level of operation creates operational burnout and most of the personnel claim to be overworked and not valued.
Mental Health Resources
Mental health care was another recurring issue because people could not access mental health services as often as they might need to. Several soldiers noted that counseling remained inaccessible with limited or no availability, and because of stigma, few were willing to pursue the service. This lack of support intensifies stress and alleviates morale hindering the soldiers’ steadiness during deployment.
Career Progression
Lastly, the lack of promotional chances within the company discourages employees and makes them stay less. A progressive feeling reported by the soldiers was dissatisfaction with the lack of apparent and palpable mobility within the Army stating that there were either scarce or nonexistent career ladders. This is an issue of structured career advancement, or absence of it, as personnel are demotivated and have no reason to stay with the organization.
Application of Findings for Organizational Success
Based on the data analysis, several targeted actions are recommended to address morale and readiness issues in the U.S. Army:
Structured Decompression Periods
Mandatory rest between deployments would reduce fatigue, increase recovery, and thus reduce burnout. Such decompression periods would make sure that personnel is in good health both physically and mentally so that there is always preparedness in equal measures.
Enhanced Mental Health Resources
Mental health is an important factor in morale: counseling, teletherapy, and reducing mental health stigmatization on posts also require attention. Availability of basic mental healthcare services would make soldiers get checked when they develop mental-related issues thus reducing their stress hormones from building up.
Career Development Opportunities
It is advisable to offer career ladder patterns and such working profession promotions and training sessions that assist raise morale and reduce turnover. Establishing clear and comprehensive training paths for the soldiers within the Army would increase motivation among the staff and decrease their levels of turnover.
The following recommendations, therefore, stem from the data collected and analyzed, in a bid to meet the needs of the Army personnel, and, consequently, the overall success of the organization.
Outline of Data Analysis and Conclusions/Feedback for Final Project
The following shall act as a guide to presenting the data analysis and recommendation in the final project as follows.
Problem Presented
The problem is to maintain high Morale and Readiness levels within the U.S. Armymen amidst multiple Deployments and minimal resource provision meant for their Support. All these challenges have severe consequences in regard to personnel fulfillment and employee turnover rate.
Assessment Process Overview
Evaluations involved direct and informal observation with interviews and secondary consultation to capture morale and readiness concerns.
Executive Summary of Findings and Insights
The results imply that leaders neglecting the force's capableness, limited access to mental health services, and lack of appropriate career advancement chances negatively affect the morale and preparedness of the Army.
Results for Specific Findings and Understandings
It has been found that due to the low frequency of deployment, employee exhaustion and low morale are experienced as frequent deployment does not allow sufficient time for rejuvenation.
Soldiers develop poor mental strength and are unable to withstand high stress because mental health facilities are limited to them.
Lack of career advancement openings for Army personnel results in despair and early resignation from service since they do not see a clear promotion channel within the job.
Guidance to a Solution Set
Schedule a formal demarginalization period that must enable soldiers to get some rest especially after being deployed.
Increase the general availability and the specific availability during the deployment of resources required to improve the mental health of the personnel.
Focus on better establishing career ladders and professional growth to enhance organizational morale and reduce turnover rates.
Appendices of Data
The appendices will include detailed survey results, interview notes, and comparisons of morale and readiness metrics with similar military organizations, providing a comprehensive foundation for the recommendations.
Conclusion
The findings of this report, based on the gathered and processed data, outline the most essential problem areas for the U.S. Army regarding morale and readiness. It is proposed that by adopting a structured approach to decompression, increasing opportunities to seek psychological support, and providing career development frameworks, the Army can promote the welfare of individuals while ensuring operational readiness. These specific and evidence-based strategies demarcate the concrete roadmap to maintain morale retain people and build the future for the Army.
Reference
Inoue, C., Shawler, E., Jordan, C. H., Moore, M. J., & Jackson, C. A. (2021). Veteran and military mental health issues.
