Military Attrition: Better Screening of Enlisted Personnel Could Save Millions of Dollars.
Abstract
In summary, we found that more than 14 percent of new recruits leave the services during the first 6 months, and more than 30 percent leave before the end of their first term. Because of this attrition, the services lose a substantial investment in training, time, equipment, and related expenses and must increase accessions to replace these losses. The main reasons for the high attrition rate during the first 6 months are that (1) the services' screening of applicants for disqualifying medical conditions or preservice drug-use is inadequate and (2) recruits fall to perform adequately because they are in poor physical condition for basic training or lack motivation. Although the services are greatly concerned about attrition, their goals for reducing attrition are based on inconsistent, incomplete data and are unrealistic. If the services were to actually reach their goals, however, they would realize immediate short-term annual savings ranging from $5 million to $39 million.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 01, 1997
- Accession Number
- ADA323520
Entities
Organizations
- United States Government Accountability Office