The Perception of Need for Counseling among Successful Infantry OSUT (one Station Unit Training) Trainees and TDP (Training Discharge Program) Attrites
Abstract
The purpose of this research was to determine the need for counseling among One Station Unit Training (OSUT) soldiers, their preferred counselors,and the types of problems they encounter. Two populations were given structured interviews: successful soldiers graduating from OSUT (n = 149) and Training Discharge Program (TDP) attrites (n = 57). Both groups agreed that a substantial amount of counseling is currently provided, that even more counseling is needed, and that there is a greater need for performance counseling than personal counseling. Also, the frequency of occurence and preferred counselor varied from problem to problem. Personal interviews with the TDP attrites after the structured interviews indicated that the attrites were not a homogeneous group, something often assumed in studies of attrition. Finally, there was evidence that psychological bias due to success or failure affected the results of the interview: attrites reported a higher incidence of 'more socially acceptable' problems, whereas successful OSUT graduates reported a higher incidence of 'less socially acceptable' problems. The results are discussed in terms of implications for Army counseling, counselor training, and studies of attrition.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 1986
- Accession Number
- ADA168178
Entities
People
- Beverly Williams
- Charles J. Slimowicz Jr.
- Edward Kemery
- James E. Schroeder
- Marvin E. Grunzke