The Sociology of the Army Reserves: A Preliminary Assessment
Abstract
This research note outlines the ways that conventional military sociology does or does not apply to the active duty forces. Statistical data received from social background variables and attitude surveys reveal: that the Guard and the Reserves are more top heavy in grade distribution than the active force, and they are older; that the active force and Reserves are better educated than the Guard, and have more female and minority-group members; that prior-service entrants in the Guard and Reserves are much more likely to score high in mental tests than non-prior service entrants, they are also better educated; dissatisfaction with service life is much higher in reserve forces than in the active force. The data show that, rather than viewing the reservist as part of a moonlighting labor force, we must face the truth. Reserve duty conflicts with family concerns, and causes problems for reservists with their civilian employers, as they ask for released time to fulfill military requirements. These factors create major disincentives to joining the reserve forces. Keywords: Attitude survey, Job satisfaction, Recruitment, Personnel retention, Manpower.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 01, 1987
- Accession Number
- ADA181831
Entities
People
- Charles C. Moskos
Organizations
- Northwestern University