While other industry sectors are announcing massive layoffs (GM for instance), aerospace and defense is buzzing along at its usual cycle. Yes, as programs move from design and development into production there is a shift in what is required and it definitely is affecting A&D workers.

It makes it even more important for A&D sector leaders to transfer skills and move people in a manner that recognizes this cycle -- without uprooting workers and families. The housing slump is no joke, particularly when you're trying to find a new job. The notion that it will now take 15 months to sell your home rather than six is frightening enough when you think you'll have to move from Fort Worth to St. Louis. Add to this a loss of about 15% in value and it could be devastating.

As long as I've worked in A&D I've heard that we need to somehow find a way to flow people from program to program as opportunity arises -- without loss of retirement vesting or pensions (where those still exist). New technologies enabling virtual teams should make this a reality -- but when will we be able to make it so?