Correlates of First-term Reenlistment Behavior Aboard Navy Ships.

摘要

Retention of adequate numbers of Naval personnel upon completion of their first enlistment is crucial not only because of the prohibitive costs of replacing certain highly trained specialists, but also due to the need for experienced, competent, and committed personnel in the higher enlisted ranks. However, as a result of the shift to an all-volunteer military environment, the Navy must now compete more directly with civilian industry for its manpower. The present study explored facets of the shipboard work environment which were related to the reenlistment behavior of sailors in the final two years of their first enlistment. Reenlistment behavior was investigated for both individuals and types of divisions aboard Naval ships. Individual reenlistment behavior was related to socio-economic variables and external satisfaction, and to the sailor's psychological climate or perceptions of his work milieu. Psychological climate dimensions of greatest importance to reenlistment were Professional and Organizational Esprit de Corps, and Job Challenge, Variety and Importance.