The impact of recruit socioeconomic background and computer literacy on U.S. Navy Initial Training

Abstract

Advances in technology in the Navy, specifically its IT-21 initiative, and academic setback rates in high-tech ratings raises concern about the level of computer literacy in Navy accessions. This study examines household income data, computer, telephone, and on-line penetration rate data by socioeconomic level, student computer use data, and data from the DoD's Survey of Recruit Socioeconomic Background. These data were analyzed for relationships between recruit socioeconomic status (SES) background and computer literacy. Findings here show that individuals from lower socioeconomic strata have less access to computers and computer technology, and Navy accessions come from lower SES backgrounds. Therefore, they can be expected to have lower computer skills upon entering the Navy. This implies the Navy should consider adding basic computer/tt skills training at boot camp and follow-on computer and tt training at a Sailor's apprentice level ("A" school) training