Recent economic trends led to several pieces of manpower legislation and the establishment of several programs: the Manpower Development and Training Act of 1962, the Comprehensive Employment and Training Act of 1973, and the Emergency Jobs and Employment Assistance Act of 1974. This legislation opened public service jobs and established Federal programs for special unemployment assistance. The role of manpower programs in alleviating the unemployment situation and the need to develop human resources to meet employment needs in the future are discussed. Aspects of the implications that these programs have for research and development issues in the making of comprehensive manpower plans and the establishment of planning councils are reviewed. Some of the research and development needs arising from current public service employment programs are raised. Suggestions for major efforts under manpower programs include: special programs for disadvantaged clients; providing income assistance to ex-offenders; placing trained minority women in jobs commensurate with their skills; and improving the employment service. Other areas for research and development concern the transition from school to work for young people and the increasing unemployment rate of black teenagers. (Author/EC)