Army Enlisted Attrition: Where Are We And Where Do We Go From Here?

Abstract

Manning the force, one of our most important personnel functions, should not be overlooked when preparing or discussing our National Security Strategy. Without a properly manned force, other essential items within that strategy may not come to fruition. Just as manning the force is important, so is manning it with the right mix, the right grades and right skills. The increasing pressure and demands on soldiers have contributed to an already increasing problem in the military, that of attrition. If this problem continues, the future will look suspect in the force mix we put together for the next Peacekeeping Force or Task Force or mission that falls within our National Security Plan. Attrition must be reviewed to determine where we are and where we need to go so an effective strategy of policy changes or adjustments can be developed, as needed. It is shortsighted to look at attrition as a problem we can fix with money or even well-being programs without looking at the major links in the cycle from recruiting, accession, training, and leader responsibilities. Only when we analyze the integral roles and responsibilities of all the players in this cycle will we be able to determine where potential contributors lie to further reduce attrition, and therefore, support the strategic future of our nation.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Apr 07, 2003
Accession Number
ADA414081

Entities

People

  • Sheila B. Hickman

Organizations

  • United States Army War College

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Human Systems

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Attrition
  • Basic Training
  • Business Administration
  • Employment
  • Enlisted Personnel
  • Health Services
  • Management Personnel
  • Medical Personnel
  • Mental Disorders
  • Military Personnel
  • National Security
  • Organizational Structure
  • Personnel Management
  • Recruiting
  • Recruits
  • Students
  • War Colleges

Readers

  • Economics
  • Joint Military Operations and Doctrine.
  • Naval Personnel Management