The Defense Department has formed working groups to review two laws that govern the assignment and promotion of U.S. military personnel throughout their service, Federal News Radio reported Thursday.Jared Serbu writes the two groups have been tasked to suggest potential changes to the 1986 Goldwater-Nichols Act and the 1980 Defense Officer Personnel Management Act.
Defense Secretary Ashton Carter “is getting input from the services, from the service secretaries, from people outside the building  who have experience in these matters,” DoD Press Secretary Peter Cook told the radio station.
“He’s looking to have some recommendations to move forward by early next year,” Cook added.
Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) urged the Senate Armed Services Committee to re-examine the Goldwater-Nichols DoD reorganization law next year as he seeks to limit the number of military officers and civilian staff at the department, the station reports.
The DOPMA working group will recommend that Army, Navy and Air Force secretaries be given discretion with regard to the military promotion system, the report said.
