"Marine Corps explores revamped officer job allocation system"
The Marine Corps is considering potential changes to its system of allocating officer jobs based on performance at The Basic School. Currently, top-performing lieutenants in each third of the class have priority in selecting their preferred military occupational specialties. However, the Corps is analyzing whether this system discourages achievement and performance. While no alternate process has been identified yet, the Corps is exploring options to ensure fairness and effectiveness in job allocation. Currently, only about 44% of Marine officers receive their first choice of specialty, and a study found a positive relationship between job preference and performance.