Evaluation of a Realistic Job Preview for U.S. Army Special Forces.
Abstract
This report documents research to evaluate a realistic job preview (RJP) booklet for soldiers and families interested in U.S. Army Special Forces (SF). The RIP provides accurate, detailed information about important aspects of SF jobs. Recruiters began distributing it in 1994 to potential recruits to encourage informed decisions about joining SF and to help prepare those who volunteer. The evaluation objectives were to: (1) assess and describe booklet implementation, (2) assess the impact on recruits' commitment to joining SF, and (3) document ideas for improvement. We collected survey data from recruiters and from new recruits before and after booklet fielding. The data showed that soldiers who received and read the RJP booklet tended to be located at posts with a strong SF presence and tended to be relatively knowledgeable about SF. The selective nature of our sample of booklet readers made interpretation of the evaluation data difficult. However, the RJP appeared to provide new and important information that was often used in the decision process. Wives in particular seem to have benefited from the information. Recruiters and soldiers reacted favorably overall. The findings supported continuation of the booklet with modifications such as additional detail on Family Support Groups and deployments, and minor formatting changes.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Aug 01, 1996
- Accession Number
- ADA317214
Entities
People
- Judith E. Brooks
- Wayne E. Evans
Organizations
- U.S. Army Research Institute for the Behavioral and Social Sciences