"The research in this report was sponsored by the United States Navy. The research was conducted in the RAND National Defense Research Institute ... under Contract DASW01-01-C-0004."--P. [ii].

Law and policy: Structure of the report -- End strength -- Authorized grade strengths -- Entry qualifications -- Constructive credit -- Active duty list -- Competitive category -- Promotion zones -- Below-zone promotions -- Promotion opportunity and selection rate -- Promotion timing (flow point) -- Promotion boards -- Failure of selection for promotion -- Military service obligations or active duty service obligation -- Retirement for years of service -- Retirement pay -- Officer retired grade -- Selection of regular officers for continuation on active duty -- Separation pay -- Selective early retirement -- Officer voluntary retirement -- Incentives and special pays.