Why The Military Needs To Abandon ‘Up-Or-Out’ Promotion Boards

Great articlr, I agree that the system is flawed. We need to look at individuals and not numbers. The current sysyem does jot allow for that.

good read and interesting way to present the matter.

This is an interesting question, especially considering the monetary costs and time involved in sending Soldiers to leadership schools, advanced technical training, and PCS/TDY in conjunction with most course offerings. The Army does allow its officers to self-select into the more technical Functional Areas, as I did in 2011 to transfer to FA24 (now 26A, Network Engineering Officer). For further reading, I would recommend Tim Kane's "Bleeding Talent" written in 2012. Although the population sample used by the author was somewhat constrained to West Point graduates across all officer ranks, Kane does proffer some interesting observations and proposals that include the need for better talent management across the Army reform (or revocation) of DOPMA. Unfortunately, such initiatives are stymied by those currently in power who seek to maintain the current status quo. Take a look at the following article from last year: http://breakingdefense.com/2015/07/a-measured-approach-to-managing-military-officers/
Then, follow the trail as the wide span of proposed changes to the military personnel system is winnowed down to a new retirement system and stumping for more "cyber" capabilities.
http://breakingdefense.com/2016/06/open-dods-doors-to-cyber-talent-carter-asks-congress/