What Characterizes Successful Enlistees in the All-Volunteer Force: A Study of Male Recruits in the U.S. Navy.

This article presents information on the issue of what recruit characteristics have been associated with "successful" adaptation to the military in the era of the all-volunteer force and male recruits in the U.S. Navy. Early attrition behavior is strongly associated with recruit characteristics observed at the time of enlistment and appearing on personnel records established at that time. By far the most important indicator of attrition propensity is whether or not the recruit is a high school diploma graduate. Early attrition rates for those without such diplomas, including those with some type of equivalency diploma (certificate) are typically twice as large as those for diploma graduates. Differences in attrition propensity between diploma graduates and either certificate holders or nongraduates remain even when comparisons are made within narrowly defined entry test score categories. Because the result is independent of measured aptitude, the traditional diploma is believed to measure an individuals adaptability, or ability to cope with discipline, rather than knowledge.