A validity review of the Color Company Competition at the United States Naval Academy

Abstract

As the primary source of officers for the Navy and Marine Corps team, the Naval Academy's reputation is marked by the quality of its graduates. At the United States Naval Academy, the Color Company Competition annually honors the highest performing company within the Brigade of Midshipmen. This competition includes measures of academic, athletic and professional measures of performance. Using data obtained through the Institutional Research Department, the Physical Education Department, as well as the Activities and Operations Offices, this study examines the validity of the current performance measurement tool at the Academy. Through the use of linear regression models, this study found that the current procedures do meet the intent of published guidance but that those procedures require revision and updating. Conclusions and recommendations for future improvement are provided at the completion of the study. Included as a recommendation is a proposed program combining both the Color Company Competition and the Company Incentive Program. This program and other initiatives are intended to intensify the Naval Academy's focus on fostering esprit de corps and improving the development of midshipmen.