Does the economy or surface warfare officer career pay affect surface warfare officer retention?

Abstract

Using cohort-based surface warfare officer (SWO) inventory data from Bureau of Naval Personnel, this thesis examines possible correlation between SWO retention and the economy, as well as the effect of SWO career pay (SWOCP) on SWO retention. Multivariate regression is used as the main tool of analysis. I find that the unemployment rate shows a positive correlation with SWO retention. There was insufficient evidence to support the relationship between SWOCP and retention. The female population does yield some significant results independent of the mixed and male population. The findings indicate more research on non-monetary determinants of the SWO retention is necessary, a policy re-assessment of SWOCP may be warranted, and female retention differs from male retention and should be assessed further.