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One obvious difference is that in the military, there is only one career advancement path, where each level trains you in the skill-set needed for the next. In
by henrikschroder 17y ago
One obvious difference is that in the military, there is only one career advancement path, where each level trains you in the skill-set needed for the next.
In software development, being a good programmer doesn't make you a good project manager, which in turn doesn't make you a good middle manager, which in turn doesn't make you good at making the business decisions of the management group.
- hga 17y agoAnd the emphasis on this in successful military establishments is very strong: if a superior officer becomes unable to carry out his duties in a battle a subordinate is expected to immediately step up and take command. Companies have the luxury of being able to do this in time frames not measured in minutes and seconds. The US officer corps post-WWII also (in theory) defeats the Peter Principle by an "up or out" rule. If you do not advance in rank and responsibilities within set time frames, you are retired (which of course has its own problems). I suppose the Microsoft "long at level" concept is related to this ... but I don't think it works in this field for some of the very reasons you noted.