The role of calling in military engagement

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of calling in the military. As the military continues to increase retention goals despite budget constraints, it must adopt ways to better promote career growth and enhance life satisfaction for its personnel. This can be accomplished through recruiting, grooming, and retaining those individuals who have a calling to military service. My study answered the following research questions: (1) Is calling related to positive military career outcomes? (2) Does calling spark and deepen commitment and retention? (3) Does calling promote career growth for those called to service? (4) Does calling increase life satisfaction? (5) How is calling related to military retention? Data from surveys of Naval Postgraduate School students reveal many work-related correlations with calling and calling's positive effects. My research findings suggest that recruiting, retaining, and promoting those who are called to military service will not only decrease turnover, but also provide a better military workforce. I recommend incorporating calling into military employment practices for better human resources results and increased organizational success.