An established post is one where a requirement for a service person has been endorsed and funded, and is identified by a Position Identification (PID), to which an individual is assigned.

The ‘black economy’ arises when manpower is transferred unofficially from an established post to create a role which is not endorsed or funded.

Although this is not sanctioned by the Army Personnel Centre (APC) (the Army authority for personnel management and postings), it is aware of its usage. It is an unofficial mechanism which is tacitly accepted as it provides additional flexibility in the use of manpower.