A model midshipman factors related to academic and military success of prior enlisted midshipmen at the United States Naval Academy

Abstract

This research analyzes performance at the U.S. Naval Academy (USNA) and attrition of Midshipmen who have prior-enlisted experience in the Navy and Marine Corps. The primary hypothesis of this study is that the experience gained by enlisted service members provides them with valuable tools and training that helps them overcome perceived academic deficiencies to be successful at the Naval Academy. Linear and Bi-Linear regression models are used to analyze the influence of prior-enlisted experience on academic and military performance at the Naval Academy on the classes from 1999 through 2004. Results show that while prior-enlisted arrive at the Naval Academy with lower academic standings in high-school and lower SAT scores when compared to direct-entry Midshipmen, they still perform at a higher level than direct-entry Midshipmen in the areas of academic and military rankings when compared to a direct-entry Midshipmen with similar academic backgrounds. The study also finds that while prior-enlisted and direct-entry Midshipmen attrite at nearly the same rate from the Naval Academy, the reasons for attrition are quite different, showing that their background in the military has changed their perspectives in some way.