Retention in the Reserves: The Motivation Factor
Abstract
Based on information reported through a number of surveys, there is reason to believe that the US Army Reserve (USAR) and the US Army National Guard (ARNG) are conducting retention programs with obsolete motivational tools. In 1978, the US Army Recruiting Command assumed the recruiting mission for the USAR, and perhaps it will do the same for the National Guard in the not-too-distant future; consequently, Reserve component unit commanders can now turn more of their attention to retaining quality individuals. Additional time, however, will not solve problems that have been years in the making. Unit commanders must reorient their thinking, for too many reservists, particularly first-termers, have not been buying what units are selling as retention benefits. This is a difficult situation to face, because Army managers, like civilian counterparts, do not like to admit that their programs are not working as well as they would like. Commanders want to believe that all is well if personnel strength is at 100 percent, that their units are healthy or well on the road to recovery from minor illness. It is possible, though doubtful, that the Recruiting Command will be able to pump enough recruits into the system each year for the Reserve to continue to appear reasonably healthy while the basic illness grows internally; however, the patient will eventually require major surgery and perhaps a very long rehabilitation.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 1979
- Accession Number
- ADA516006
Entities
People
- James R. Compton
Organizations
- United States Army War College