Delayed Entry Program (DEP) Management in the 21st Century: How Effective Was the Navy's Cyber DEP Website?

Abstract:D5161.A2 In November 2000, CNA, in collaboration with the Commander, Navy Recruiting Command (CNRC), launched an experimental DEP Web site, called Cyber DEP, to test whether the Internet could be useful in helping to maintain the motivation of those in DEP, as well as to better prepare DEPers for boot camp and academic training before going on active duty. The Cyber DEP Web site was intended to reduce DEP attrition by providing two basic functions: enhanced communication and e-Learning, both available 24/7. The results of our analysis indicate that the site had a significant impact on reducing DEP attrition and that, in most cases, the more intensively the site was used, the greater the reduction in attrition. The largest category of recruiting costs is recruiter manpower, so, for simplicity, we calculate the returns to the Web site in terms of manpower costs alone. In these terms, our estimated reduction in DEP losses that could accrue if the Web site was continued equate to over $12 million in recruiter compensation.