Factors that Influence Career Motivation in the Fighter Community

摘要

For a number of years, aviation personnel retention studies have emphasized those who separate rather than those who choose a naval career. The necessity of research addressing the aviation personnel retention problem is further dictated by the escalating costs associated with replacing trained naval aviators and their increased importance in modern warfare. The present study examined factors contributing to aviators' decisions to remain or separate from naval aviation. This study indicates that the primary reasons for remaining in naval aviation were centered around enjoyment of flying, coupled with the self-esteem associated with being a naval aviator. The desire to fly was found to be a strong career motivator, and when the opportunity to fly declines or flight goals are fulfilled, aviators are more likely to leave the Navy. Major causes of career dissatisfaction were extended deployment, inadequate time allocated to flying duties, insufficient port calls during cruises, and long workdays during shore tours. The finding that pilots were more likely than radar intercept officers to separate agrees with current naval aviation personnel retention statistics.