DOD employs over 700,000 federal civilians—over one-third of the total federal civilian workforce—and recognizes the importance of a diverse workforce to achieve its critical missions. However, DOD has faced challenges ensuring its workforce reflects the diversity of the nation it serves. This report analyzes (1) the demographic composition of the DOD civilian workforce by gender and racial or ethnic group; (2) promotion outcomes among these demographic groups; and (3) the extent to which DOD has developed policies and plans to identify any barriers and track progress eliminating them. GAO recommends that DOD (1) update policies to ensure it collects barrier-related data, (2) assign clear oversight roles, and (3) establish measures to track progress in eliminating barriers.

"June 2023"--Cover.

Background. -- Representation of women and historically disadvantaged groups at DOD generally remained unchanged from 2012-2021, while likelihood for women compared to men varied. -- DOD has taken steps to identify potential barriers to diversity, but has not developed oversight policies or plans to track progress in eliminating them. -- Conclusions. -- Recommendations for executive action. -- Agency comments. -- Appendices.