This report describes the efforts conducted by the Administration on Aging in response to the congressional mandate to develop and implement a national policy for the field of aging in accordance with the requirements set forth in the Older Americans Act Amendments of 1978 (PL 95-478). The current status of education, training, and employment of personnel who work in the field of aging is depicted in terms of issues and problems inherent in the formulation of a unified manpower policy for measuring and meeting personnel needs in the aging field. Priorities expressed in the legislative mandate among federal agency programs, occupations, and employment settings providing services for older persons are outlined. The history and development of the study of the field of aging is covered. Current federal training programs and related manpower development activities pertinent to the field of aging are reviewed, and recent studies on research or program evaluation of education, training, and employment personnel who work with older people are summarized. The findings and recommendations of these studies were analysed with respect to generic issues that have an impact on manpower development and specific priority personnel areas. Immediate manpower policy concerns and projected activities for further compliance with the mandate are discussed. (MN)