An assessment of the Junior Officer Cryptological Career Program (JOCCP) in relation to the Marine Corps Signals Intelligence community

Abstract

This thesis assesses the Marine Corps' involvement in the Junior Officer Cryptological Career Program (JOCCP) and the effects that the program is having upon the Marine Corps Signals Intelligence community. The history and details of the JOCCP are presented, along with a review of two previous studies. The thesis analyzes the promotion and retention data of program graduates, the interview data from 14 program graduates, and the interview data from 13 senior officers associated with the program or its graduates. Findings indicate that the JOCCP has met its goals of educating career-oriented cryptologic officers for the Marine Corps and that it has a positive impact upon the Marine Corps Signals Intelligence Community. Findings also indicate that the Marine Corps' utilization of JOCCP graduates is not optimal and that the program may have a negative impact upon graduates' promotion and retention. Detailed recommendations are offered to extend the positive impact of the program and to rectify shortcomings.