Million-Dollar Marines

Twice a year, the Naval Air Systems Command posts openings for some of the most prized acquisition jobs

The Marine Corps wants to reverse that trend. After years of placing "muddy boot" managers-who have field experience but not much familiarity with contracting-into procurement roles, the service is now developing a cadre of professional acquisition officers.

Next fall as many as 130 majors, lieutenant colonels and colonels will be selected as the Marine Corps' first full-time acquisition officers, who will spend large chunks of their careers in jobs buying and developing weapons. As a result, the service believes it will become more competitive in winning procurement jobs and have a greater say in how and which weapons are developed.