Final answer:
The Personnel System Management (PSM) office helps users manage operations within the Military Personnel Data System (MilPDS) such as system troubleshooting and updating records. The PSM differs from the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) and the Merit Systems Protection Board (MSPB), which were established for the civil service after the Civil Service Reform Act of 1978.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Personnel System Management (PSM) office assists users of the Military Personnel Data System (MilPDS) with operations related to personnel data management. The MilPDS is a critical component used by the U.S. military to manage personnel information and support functions such as promotion, reassignment, and pay adjustments. The PSM office provides support for various operational aspects of MilPDS, including system troubleshooting, updating personnel records, and assisting with the transaction processing necessary for effective personnel management within the military.
The U.S. Office of Personnel Management regulates hiring practices in the U.S. Civil Service, while the MilPDS is specifically for the military. After the Civil Service Reform Act of 1978, the OPM became responsible for recruiting and testing potential government employees, whereas the Merit Systems Protection Board (MSPB) took on the role of investigating agency wrongdoing and hearing appeals. While these entities serve the broader civil service, the PSM office is more tailored to supporting military personnel through MilPDS.