First Court-Marital Screening Program Pilot Study
Abstract
The value of routine screening and treatment of first court-martial offenders was studied by evaluating performance for six months after trial. Neither evaluation nor treatment led to any im provement in performance. One- quarter of the offenders were discharged for ineffectiveness within six months, whether or not they received help. It was administratively impossible to treat offenders promptly, because of delayed reporting of offenses, broken appointments, and the offen ders' lack of motivation for help. Individual treatment of offenders had little effect, while the way the unit handled the men had much greater effect. It was concluded it would be more effec tive to identify units with high offense rates and consult with unit leaders and personnel to help them handle offenders more effectively. Such a program would help all men in the units where help was needed most, and would avoid the huge administrative load involved in screening all offenders from all units. Offenses were most common among soldiers who were young, poorly educated, single, low in rank, of limited service, and Negro. Those who performed ineffectively after trial had the poorest performance before trial, measured by character ang efficiency ratings, AWOL's, transfers, sick calls, Articles 15, and commanders' ratings.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Sep 01, 1962
- Accession Number
- AD0410480
Entities
People
- Robert S. Nichols