An analysis of factors affecting affiliation in the Marine Corps Reserves

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to examine key factors in Marine Corps Reserve turnover in order to better understand reservists’ decisions to affiliate in the United States Marine Corps. Across the Marine Force Reserve there are communities, occupational fields, and grades with persistent manning shortfalls in non–obligor populations. Non– obligor reservists are those who serve at their own discretion, with each individual reservist having well–developed rationale and reasons for affiliating with a reserve unit. Monetary incentives are the primary stimulus employed to prompt reservists to affiliate and fill billets in units where there are persistent shortfalls. Money has had a positive impact, but the utilization of monetary incentives is not based upon a deep understanding of the reservists’ underlying motivations. This study explores individual non–obligor reservist motivations and rationales for affiliating to provide initial insights and a framework for future research. This study conducted a conceptual review of academic and military literature and six semi–structured telephone interviews in order to develop a predictive conceptual model of USMCR affiliation, allowing for more efficient targeting of retention methods and the development of non–monetary incentives.