From school to work via military service : an improved transition.

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Author
Hess, Mark W.
Date
1980-06Advisor
Little, Roger D.
Second Reader
Thomas, George
Metadata
Show full item recordAbstract
Drawing on the implications of human capital theory, the
screening hypothesis, and 'dual' labor market theory, the
National Longitudinal Survey (NLS) of young men age 14-24
in 1966 was used to test the benefits of military service
at civilian job entry. Veterans and nonveterans of the same
race were compared in each NLS year from 19 66 to 19 73 on 11
different variables using discriminant analysis. Five variables
were selected, from the results of discriminant analyses,
and studied longitudinally over the NLS years. Job entry
occupation and industrial sector was examined using contingency
tables. Veterans received significant and systematic
payrate advantages over better educated nonveterans. Veteran
advantages were less obvious during the recession and recovery
period of 1970-73. Military service may impart subtle labor
market benefits such as productivity, experience, and
maturity. Recommendations are provided to assist future
veteran transition during periods of economic instability.