For the past two years, Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld has unsuccessfully asked Congress for sweeping changes to military officer career paths. In a new approach, DoD is seeking permission to conduct limited tests for officers in the Army Foreign Area Officer program and the U.S. Special Operations Command as well as for Navy surface warfare specialists. Under the plan, officers would be promoted as needed but would not be forced into an up-or-out status if not promoted. They would, however, have to meet standards of “employability,” according to a DoD official. Under the test, a career could last as long as 40 years, but the individual could continue past the 20-year mark only if offered a position in a major command or within DoD. Congress will decide whether to accept the plan for inclusion in the 2006 defense authorization bill.