Army Family Composition and Retention
Abstract
As part of the Army Family Research Program (AFRP), this research describes the demographics of family composition (marriage, childbearing) and the relationship between family composition and retention intentions. A data file of Army respondents to the 1985 Department of Defense (DoD) Survey of Officer and Enlisted Personnel was created and a series of new variables specified for this analysis. Additionally, data from the 1978-79 DoD Survey of Officer and Enlisted Personnel were used. Additionally, data from the 1978-79 DoD Survey of Officer and Enlisted Personnel were used. The data analysis identified patterns of marriage and childbearing among Army enlisted personnel and officers. Further analysis focused on the relationship between family composition and change in family composition and the intent to remain in the Army as expressed in the survey instrument. The report is addressed to a policy and program audience, not a technical audience. Fewer enlisted males entered the Army single in 1985 than in 1979. Also, more enlisted males had children at time of entry. There were no differences in marital status for the two cohort groups of enlisted females, but more enlisted females entered with children in 1985 than in 1979; the percentage with children doubled over this period. The percentage of females who were single parents tripled from 1979 to 1985. More male and female officers were single at time of entry in 1985 than in 1979.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jul 01, 1989
- Accession Number
- ADA212880
Entities
People
- Julia H. Doherty
- Stuart H. Rakoff
Organizations
- RTI International