Effectiveness of the U.S. Navy's Basic Skills Enhancement Program Entitled Functional Applied Skills Training (FAST)
Abstract
This thesis explores the effectiveness of the U.S. Navy's basic skills enhancement program entitled Functional Applied Skills Training (FAST) in providing the basic reading skills necessary for enlisted personnel to more ably perform their jobs in the U.S. Navy fleet during the first three years of their enlistment. Current FAST program mission, FAST's impact on fleet job performance, and future U.S. Navy enlisted manpower requirements are examined to identify mission areas where program improvements can be made. Enlisted advancement probabilities, which reflect enlisted job performance, for FAST program participants and non-participants were calculated using a statistical regression model. Results of these calculations indicate that a recruit's participation in the FAST program significantly increases his or her probability of advancing to grade E-4 within the first three years of his or her enlistment. However, considering the anticipated defense drawdown and the need to enlist a cadre of high-quality service members, the mission of the FAST program will require redefinition to avoid the ax that will be used to accomplish future budget cutbacks.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Dec 01, 1990
- Accession Number
- ADA241804
Entities
People
- John K. Spendley
Organizations
- Naval Postgraduate School