A Statistical Analysis of the Determinants of Naval Flight Officer Training Attrition

Abstract

The purpose of this thesis is to identify factors that lead to naval flight officer training attrition. Data was compiled on student NFO cohorts who entered between 1991 and 1996. A multinomial logit model is specified with the dependent variable categorized into four outcomes: (1) attrition for performance failure of the individual, (2) attrition for medical reasons, and (3) dropping on request, and (4) passing aviation training. Independent variables utilized in the model include commissioning source, race, and undergraduate major. The statistical analysis sought to determine the effect of each of these demographic factors on the probability of attrition by reason. The results show that commissioning source has a significant effect on attrition for performance failure and dropping on request. United States Naval Academy graduates had the lowest attrition rates for these reasons, followed by ROTC then OCS graduates. Caucasian student NFOs had the lowest attrition rates among the race categories. Undergraduate major also affects attrition behavior with technical majors succeeding (earning wings) at a slightly higher rate than non-technical undergraduate majors.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Mar 01, 1998
Accession Number
ADA344713

Entities

People

  • Scott F. Murray

Organizations

  • Naval Postgraduate School

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Biomedical

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Attrition
  • Business Administration
  • Databases
  • Demography
  • Education
  • Flight Training
  • Health Services
  • Information Science
  • Medical Personnel
  • Minority Groups
  • Schools
  • Social Sciences
  • Statistical Analysis
  • Students
  • Training
  • United States
  • United States Naval Academy

Readers

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