An analysis of the impact of graduate education on the performance and retention of general unrestricted line officers

Abstract

This thesis focuses on the impact of graduate education on the promotion performance and retention of General Unrestricted Line Officers. Logistic models are developed to determine the effects of a graduate degree from the Naval Postgraduate School and other sources on the probability of promotion to Lieutenant Commander and Commander, and on retention up to the Lieutenant Command and Commander levels. Results indicate that graduate education has a positive impact on the probability of promotion to Lieutenant Commander, with Naval Postgraduate School showing a stronger effect than other education sources. No significant effect was noted for promotion to Commander. Graduate education was found to have a significantly negative impact on retention prior to the Lieutenant Commander selection point. Results for retention at the Commander selection level were inconclusive. It is recommended that further research be done concerning the impact of graduate education on other officer communities.