Optimization of DOD Civilian Hiring Processes through the use of Cohort Hiring

Section 1109 of the National Defense Authorization Act for FY 2020 calls for an independent review to assess the feasibility and desirability of using cohort hiring, or hiring “talent pools,” instead of conducting civilian hiring on a position-by-position basis. This paper concludes that cohort hiring, when applied to organizations that conduct appropriate strategic planning and identify the need for a critical mass of new hires in entry-level professional positions, is a best practice that has a strong potential to improve recruiting, engagement and retention and otherwise strengthen the civilian workforce.