An analysis of retention of first-term enlisted personnel in the Selected Reserves

Abstract

This thesis analyzes retention decisions of male, first-term enlisted Selected Army Reservists. The likelihood of retention is analyzed with the conditional logistic regression (logit) model using a dichotomous choice of intentions (stay/leave) for various Reserve sub-populations: non-prior and prior active service groups for National Guard and Army Reserve components. The relative importance of various demographic, military experience and cognitive/perceptual factors to the retention decision is assessed. The results highlight potential policy variables which can be impacted by manpower policy planners to manage Reserve force retention.