The effects of combat exposure on reenlistment and attrition
Loading...
Authors
Pergar, Nicholas R.
Subjects
Advisors
Shen, Yu-Chu
Pema, Elda
Date of Issue
2011-03
Date
Publisher
Monterey, CA; Naval Postgraduate School
Language
Abstract
The operational environment faced by today's service members is characterized by continued deployments to combat zones where large segments of the active duty population experience stressful deployments throughout their enlistments. This study examines how battlefield experiences affect retention and attrition behavior among firstterm enlisted personnel. The data for this thesis comes from the Defense Manpower Data Center and the Armed Forces Health Surveillance Center. A multivariate analysis using probit models was used to estimate effects Analyses of the models indicate that the effects of combat experiences on firstterm enlisted retention and attrition rates vary depending on the Service. Witnessing the death or injury of enemy combatants while deployed increases the attrition rates among soldiers and Marines but decreases the attrition rates for sailors and airmen. Exposure to destroyed military vehicles leads to decreases in attrition rates among soldiers, sailors, and Marines while airmen experience an increased attrition rate. Among service members who have completed at least 36 months of active duty service (24 months for three-year contracts) combat exposure that is statistically significant generally increases retention among service members in the Army and Air Force but decreases retention rates for service members in the Navy and Marine Corps.
Type
Thesis
Description
Series/Report No
Department
Organization
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Identifiers
NPS Report Number
Sponsors
Funder
Format
xvi, 125 p. ;
Citation
Distribution Statement
Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited.
Rights
This publication is a work of the U.S. Government as defined in Title 17, United States Code, Section 101. Copyright protection is not available for this work in the United States.