The effect of moral waivers on first-term, unsuitability attrition in the Marine Corps

Abstract

This thesis examines the effects of moral waivers on unsuitability attrition in the Marine Corps. The objectives are to: (1) determine the relationship between moral waivers and first-term, non-EAS unsuitability attrition in the Marine Corps; (2) determine the relationship between demographic characteristics and first-term, non-EAS unsuitability attrition in the Marine Corps; (3) compare the effects of moral waivers among first-term, non-EAS unsuitability attrition, 'other than unsuitability' attrition, and 'overall' attrition; and (4) compare the relationship between moral waivers and first-term, non-EAS attrition (unsuitability, 'other than unsuitability,' and 'overall') in the Marine Corps with that of the Navy. This thesis uses data from Defense Manpower Data Center for Marine Corps cohorts FY88 through FY9l and Navy Cohorts FY88 and FY90. Cross-tabulations and binary logistic regression models are employed to analyze the effects of moral waivers on unsuitability attrition. The results show that individuals who receive a moral waiver for less than three minor non-traffic offenses, misdemeanors, a felony, preservice drug use, or preservice alcohol abuse are more likely to attrite for unsuitability than individuals who do not receive a moral waiver at accession.