An analysis of factors that influence enlistment decisions in the U.S. Army
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Authors
Oh, Young Yeol.
Subjects
NA
Advisors
Eitelberg, Mark J.
Hildebrandt, Gregory G.
Date of Issue
1998-03
Date
Publisher
Monterey, California. Naval Postgraduate School
Language
en_US
Abstract
The purpose of this thesis is to analyze factors that influence decisions to enlist in the U.S. Army. This thesis uses 1997 New Recruit Survey data from the Army Recruiting Command and examines new recruits who contracted between October 1, 1996 and September 30, 1997, but had not yet entered basic training. This study employs cross-tabulations and a Multi-Nomial Logit model, using PROC CATMOD, to analyze the data. The results show that recruits who differ in gender, ethnicity, past status, educational expectations, years of service: and contact initiation are influenced to enlist by different factors. Educational incentives, especially the Army's College Fund, and self- development, including "to do something I can be proud of," are given as the most important reasons to enlist. Recruiters and friends are the most influential sources of information about the Army, and TV advertisements are the most influential sources in the mass media. Key barriers to enlistment are the perceptions that service in the military is a serious obstacle to educational progress, followed by military life, and conflicting interests. Immediate family members, especially parents, are key influencers in the enlistment decision. The results suggest that the Army should strive to improve its image and service environment, as well as continue to sustain enlistment incentives and resources at an adequate level.
Type
Thesis
Description
Series/Report No
Department
Management
Organization
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Identifiers
NPS Report Number
Sponsors
Funder
Format
xvi, 84 p.;28 cm.
Citation
Distribution Statement
Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited.