Family Economics and the Retention Intentions of Army Enlisted Personnel
Abstract
The Army Family Research Program (AFRP) is a 5-year integrated research program that supports the Chief of Staff of the Army (CSA) White Paper 1983: The Army Family and The Army Family Action Plans (1984-1990) through the development of databases, models, program evaluation technologies, and policy options that assist the Army to retain quality soldiers, improve soldier and unit readiness, and increase family adaptation to Army life. The purpose of this research was to examine the links between economic factors, the nonpecuniary elements of military life, spouse satisfaction with the military, and the member's retention intentions. The data consisted of 4,073 observations from the Army sample who responded to the 1985 Department of Defense (DoD) Survey of Enlisted Personnel and Military Spouses. The results indicate that family economic factors including spouse employment, member wages, and receipt of food stamps are important in the determination of member retention intentions. Accompaniment status is another determinant. The wives' satisfaction with the military does not significantly influence members' retention when variables that affect spouse satisfaction and member retention intentions are controlled. Labor force outcomes and several Army policy variables are important in determining Army wives' level of satisfaction with military life.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jul 01, 1990
- Accession Number
- ADA226448
Entities
People
- Lisa Wood
Organizations
- RTI International