The effect of a military family background on midshipmen performance at the United States Naval Academy and USNA Graduate performance in the Fleet

Abstract

This research analyzes USNA and fleet performance of midshipmen who come from career military family backgrounds. It is hypothesized that a military family background provides children with values that help them succeed at the Academy and in the Fleet. This thesis uses USNA classes of 1988 - 1992 to judge performance at the Academy and USNA classes of 1980 - 1985 to measure fleet performance. Performance was measured in terms of graduation rates, attrition rates and final aggregate multiples. In judging officer performance, retention rates to the LCDR boards and career promotion rates to LCDR and CDR were examined. Results suggest that a military family background may be significant in determining success at the Academy and in the Fleet. However, more research is necessary to adequately isolate the effect of a military family background.