Research for Costs

An economic analyses conducted by CNA to evaluate policy options for meeting the Navy's growing manpower needs is described. The work was done in support of the Navy's Planning, Programming, and Budgeting process.

In this paper the feasibility of longer enlistment contracts for the Marine Corps was examined. In addition to reviewing the literature, the data concerning the effect of contract length on accessions and on attrition was examined. It was estimated that requiring an additional year of enlistment is equivalent to an 8-percent pay reduction. It was also found that attrition in the Marine Corps is not significantly affected by contract length. These findings show that the cost per useful service year for 5- and 6-year enlistments is generally lower than for 4-year enlistments.

Base Operating Support (BOS) costs of the Army, Navy, and Air Force were included in this analysis. Statistical regression techniques were used and models were provided identified variables that can be used to predict BOS costs, compare BOS spending across services, and measure regional variations in BOS spending.

This study performs a cost-benefit analysis of the Job-Oriented Basic Skills (JOBS) remedial training program. The baseline case against which it is compared is the normal progression of 'A'-school-qualified recruits into the fleet. Three measures of cost effectiveness are employed; in each case the two programs achieve similar results for a similar cost. It is recommended that the JOBS program be continued as a contingency in the event that certain ratings experience shortfalls of high-quality personnel in the future.