ROTC-Program Determinants of Cadets' Career Commitment

Abstract

Forty instructors from eleven Army Senior ROTC programs were surveyed in a pilot study aimed at exploring the nature and extent of ROTC-program influences on cadets' career commitment. The commitment of cadets in each program had been assessed in a prior study via several indicators of commitment (e.g., intention to remain in ROTC; intention to remain in the Army beyond the period of obligated Army service; intention to make a career of the Army). The following ROTC programs were found to have relatively committed enrolled CADETS: new programs; small programs; programs in which instructors reported spending outside-class time with cadets; programs fostering Self-Discovery and Independence; programs in which instructors were not burdened by excessive administrative responsibilities; programs offering innovative extracurricular enrichment activities and mini-courses. Results were interpreted in the context of the quantity vs. quality tension facing many ROTC programs. Implications of the study for future research into ROTC-program determinants of cadets' career commitment were also spelled out.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Jul 01, 1976
Accession Number
ADA036376

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  • J. J. Card

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  • American Institutes for Research

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