A multivariate analysis of enlisted attrition in the Army Reserve

Abstract

The purpose of this thesis was to investigate determinants of early attrition from the U.S. Army Selected Reserve enlisted forces. The sample was selected from fiscal year 1980 through 1982 cohort files maintained by the Defense Manpower Data Center. Selected Reserve enlisted personnel were divided into non-prior and prior service groups. Preliminary analyses were performed which identified significant differences between the two groups relative to the timing and destination of attrition losses. Bivariate analyses of stayer/ leaver subgroups revealed significant differences on selected personal and occupational characteristics. Regression analyses were used to examine the influence of candidate explanatory variables on the logistic form of attrition. The variables examined were found to be significant in the analytical results; however, low explanatory power of the models tested indicated a need for reconfiguration of the data base to support future research.