An Analysis of Sabbatical Leaves for Navy Surface Warfare Officers
Abstract
In recent years, the Navy has begun to experience retention challenges among its Surface Warfare Officers (SWOs). These challenges stem in large part from SWOs' sea-duty-intensive career path that keeps them away from their homeports for extended periods, reducing the time they have to devote to their families or to attend to other personal needs. In response to these retention concerns, the Navy is considering several programs that allow greater accommodation of the personal needs of its SWOs, particularly through the increased use of sabbatical leaves. To assist in this process, the Navy asked RAND to evaluate three potential extended-leave programs: (1) a facilitated return to service (RTS) option that would provide those who have left the Navy an opportunity to return to service, (2) a one-year leave of absence (LOA), and (3) a personal leave (PL) option that would offer all SWOs up to 3 months of leave between duty stations. The Navy requested a quick-turnaround analysis to determine whether these programs might be beneficial for retention of more SWOs. This documented briefing provides the findings of RAND's analysis. Specifically, the briefing describes the parameters of the programs as developed through discussions with the research sponsor; outlines the process by which RAND calculated the potential cost savings of each program, based on associated changes in strength and accession levels; addresses the relevant manpower implications; and provides concluding observations based on the analysis.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 2004
- Accession Number
- ADA453407
Entities
People
- Harry J. Thie
- Kevin Brancato
- Megan Abbott
- Roland J. Yardley
Organizations
- RAND Corporation