Research for Non-End Activ

This research memorandum helps answer the question of whether there are performance differences between Marines who are married (or have dependents) and single Marines. The population of first-term Marines is 'more married' that it used to be: the ratio of married to single Marines has changed from 1:5 to 1:4 in the last decade. The analysis of performance focuses on a Marine's career at entry, during the first term, and beyond the first term. Results show that: (a) the recent rise in the dependency rate took place across most age groups and paygrades; (b) there are no substantial racial differences in marriage behavior; and (c) first-term enlisted Marines are more likely to be married than civilians of comparable educational backgrounds and ages. This study provides useful information to policymakers considering a reduction in the first-term marriage and dependency rate.