LESSON 2/TASK 1
is easier to administer. Losses are easier to respond to because of the closeness of the midnight shift
and personnel scheduled for their days off.
6 & 2. This shift design has the advantage of offering personnel six days, usually on the same shift,
followed by two days off. Personnel schedules are more stabilized, as are the more normal working
patterns. It has the additional advantage of allowing for long-range planning.
8 & 16. This shift design is based on three shifts that are essentially "frozen." In other words, everyone
pulls substantially the same shift all the time. Duty is based on eight hours on and sixteen hours off.
There are inequalities in the duty assignments, since the midnight shift is normally considered less
desirable. It does preserve eight-hour work days and minimizes duty roster confusion. It does require
some type of "pool" arrangement to allow for personnel to have days off.
These are only three examples of any number that might be given. The primary concern in shift design
is mission accomplishment. However, the welfare and morale of personnel should also be considered
since efficiency is increased geometrically when morale is high.
Shift Preference
Shift assignments can do much to motivate patrol personnel. Although some shift patterns are based
on squad integrity, incoming and assigned personnel can be rotated between squads. Unit integrity
should always be maintained whenever possible. It is even more critical when deployable or
contingency MP units are being used to perform garrison MP tasks.
Personnel who attend schools, have family problems such as day care, or prefer working odd-hour
shifts, can have their desires considered. However, such a plan can be implemented only in a
stabilized patrol shift environment.
In establishing a shift preference plan, guidelines for the resolution of conflict should first be
established. In other words, what criteria determines who gets preference. Whatever guidelines are
used, the first must always be the requirements of the operation. These guidelines must be
standardized so they can be used to resolve future request and/or requests for changes. Once
guidelines have been
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