Research for Personnel

The the feasibility of validating ASVAB enlistment standards against job performance is evaluated. Hands-on and written proficiency tests were developed for three Marine Corps skills--Ground Radio Repair, Automotive Mechanic, and Infantry Rifleman--for use as measures of job performance. In addition, grades in skill training courses were also evaluated as possible measures of job performance. The ASVAB was shown to be a valid predictor of job performance. All three measures--hands-on tests, written tests, and training grades--were generally consistent measures of performance. A preliminary set of ASVAB qualification standards for assigning recruits to these three skills was computed using the hands-on and written tests as the criterion measure. The ASVAB standards derived from this analysis are similiar to the standards based on the traditional criterion measure of training-course grades. We conclude that validating ASVAB enlistment standards against job performance appears to be feasible. Although job performance tests can be used for this purpose, they are costly to develop and administer. Training grades, which are routinely available, may serve as a satisfactory and economical proxy for them in many skills.

This study is an analysis of the United States Marine Corps Enlistment Bonus Program (EBP). The study's main objectives were to determine the effect of the EBP on enlistment supply and report measures of cost effectiveness, and determine the effect of the EBP on recruit quality, affirmative action, and early separation from the Marine Corps. Based on our analyses we believe the EBP should be continued. Also, we believe numerical quotas for the bonus program should be set high enough so that all funds allocated for bonuses are used.

Assesses the effect on the Navy's budget of a return to peacetime conscription in the United States. The report also examines the implications that peacetime conscription would have for the structure of the all-volunteer force.

Analyzes the effects of price control programs to determine if they subsidized U.S. petrochemical exports, and if so, what were the effects on world petrochemical prices and U.S. and foreign production levels.