Initial Entry Training: Reducing First Term Attrition Through Effective Organizational Socialization
Abstract
This paper examines Initial Entry Training (IET) from an organizational behavior perspective to identify if the Army's socialization experience can be enhanced to have a positive impact on first term attrition within the Army. This is an important issue for today's Army as it faces increased recruiting challenges and first term attrition rates that hover between thirty-five and thirty-nine per cent. A deadly combination that directly threatens the Army's ability to maintain a high quality force. Behavioral scientist claim that attrition in organizations can be attributed to many factors such as lack of commitment to the organization, poor skill development, mismatch in employee expectations, lack of motivation, and failure to meet necessary performance standards. Effective socialization programs should address each one of these factors by developing and preparing new members to perform in their organization. Initial socialization to the Army occurs in Initial Entry Training. I have applied some basic socialization principles to IET looking for opportunities to improve our process and I believe that the Army's socialization process can be enhanced to produce the type of soldiers committed to serve our nation in the twenty-first century.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 10, 2000
- Accession Number
- ADA378198
Entities
People
- Thomas W. Hayden
Organizations
- United States Army War College