First-Term Attrition among Marine Corps Women: Some Associated Factors
Abstract
The first-term attrition rate for enlisted Marine Corps women is nearly 50 percent, about twice that for comparable men. To identify factors that might be related to attrition, three data sets were analyzed. They included historical master files and recruit accession management system files, a 3-year follow-up on a recruit-training attrition study using expectations to predict attrition, and a job-satisfaction survey. Results indicated that most of the difference in post-recruit training attrition between men and women was due to pregnancy. Background variables were of limited usefulness in predicting attrition. Factors associated with Marine Corps experience, particularly in the work setting, appeared to be related to attrition. The data did not support the hypothesis that women are becoming pregnant in order to be discharged. Further investigation of these experience factors is recommended, in addition to investigation of training in sex education and life-decision making. Placement of women in units with at least one other woman an use of information on women's interests in sports and nontraditional activities in recruiting are also recommended.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 01, 1983
- Accession Number
- ADA131061
Entities
People
- Marjorie H. Royle