The Erosion of Fringe Benefits and Its Negative Effect on Attitudes and Career Intentions of Regular Army Officers.
Abstract
Many soldiers feel their fringe benefits are being steadily worn away. The benefits themselves exert a significant influence on an individual's decision to make the Army a career. This study was aimed at Regular Army officer students at the Command and General Staff College. Research reveals that disintegration of the whole fringe benefit package -- particularly medical care and retirement benefits -- is a strong influence to leave the Army. Deterioration of commissary store privileges is also an influence to leave, albeit weaker, and the 'unwritten contract' is still a relatively weak incentive to stay. Perceived erosion of benefits contributes to reduced career aspirations. Those officers who are strongly influenced by these issues are older; have served longer; are unhappier about the fringe benefit situation; are less inclined to encourage junior officers to pursue an Army career; and have decided to retire with between 20 and 25 years of service. Having selected a retirement date, they are less sensitive to the issue than their contemporaries with indefinite or unlimited career aspirations who will stay longer if benefits stabilize and but leave sooner if decay continues.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 11, 1976
- Accession Number
- ADA027842
Entities
People
- James J. Foley Jr
Organizations
- United States Army Command and General Staff College