3. MANPOWER REQUIREMENTS

Each Service shall undertake only such programs as are actually essential, and shall program manpower requirements at the minimum necessary to achieve specific vital objectives.

Each Service shall program within the strengths confirmed by the Secretary of Defense with first priority assigned to major combat forces. Major combat units will be manned in accordance with Joint Chiefs of Staff guidance as approved by the Secretary of Defense. Remaining forces will be manned, within approved total strengths, adequately to support combat forces.

In areas which require military personnel only, manpower requirements shall be based upon applicable manning documents, with authorized strengths held to a minimum consistent with assigned tasks and missions. Civilian requirements will be determined on the basis of planning and workload factors with strengths maintained at the minimum necessary to accomplish the required tasks. In areas which require both military and civilian personnel, manpower requirements shall be determined as a total.

The highest practicable proportion of Operating Forces to total forces will be maintained. Within the Operating Forces emphasis will be placed on reducing support type positions.