A preliminary analysis of the 1999 USMC retention survey
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Authors
Kocher, Kathryn M.
Thomas, George W.
Subjects
U. S. Marine Corps
retention
Internet-based survey
questionnaire construction
composite variable
ranked response means
factor analysis
retention
Internet-based survey
questionnaire construction
composite variable
ranked response means
factor analysis
Advisors
Date of Issue
2000-05
Date
Publisher
Monterey, CA; Naval Postgraduate School
Language
Abstract
An Internet-based survey was developed to identify factors that influence marines in their retention decisions. Questionnaire areas include: demographics and military background; satisfaction with specific aspects of military life and work; overall satisfaction; perceptions of civilian employment opportunities; intentions and expectations; and factors important to the desire to leave and the desire to stay in the USMC. Fielded between June and September, 1999, the survey yielded 10,934 usable responses for marines with 12 or fewer years of service. Respondents were separated into subgroups by officer/enlisted status, term of service (first term/careerist or junior/field grade officer) and gender. Factor analysis was used to construct composite variables from questions about the reasons contributing to the desire to leave and to stay in the USMC. Results of ranking mean scores on single and composite items indicate that the role of pay and civilian career opportunities is dominant at all pay grades as an influence to leave, and that the roles of other influences vary with officer/ enlisted status, term of service, and gender. Pride in the USMC and its organizational Values overwhelm other factors as reasons for staying for officers and are very important to career enlisted marines.
Type
Technical Report
Description
Series/Report No
Department
Organization
Identifiers
NPS Report Number
NPS-SM-00-005
Sponsors
Headquarters, U.S. Marine Corps, Quantico, VA.
Funding
MIPR #M0008498FFH403 1
Format
85 p.
Citation
Distribution Statement
Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited.