Research for Recruiting

Although many studies of military enlistment have been conducted during the last two decades, few have analyzed the reserve component. This research memorandum develops and estimates an econometric model of enlistments for the Naval Reserve. The analysis incorporates factors such as size of recruiting force, Navy veteran population, local unemployment rates, civilian wages, and recruiting goals.

The last of three evaluations of the Targeted Enlistment Bonus (TEB) for Nuclear Field recruits is contained in this research memorandum. The TEB differs from previous enlistment bonuses by varying the bonus amounts according to the season a recruit begins active duty. Historically, Nuclear Field accessions have been characterized by a seasonal surge in the summer months, reflecting the presence of many Nuclear Field recruits for beginning service shortly after obtaining a high school diploma. The TEB is designed to assist recruiters in achieving a more level flow of accessions during the year. It was tested during an eighteen month period. For the evaluation, Nuclear Field recruits during this period are compared to those of previous years in terms of the phasing of accessions and enlistment contracts, and indicators of recruit quality. Savings associated with the TEB experiment are calculated, and the implications for potential changes in the TEB are drawn.

This report sets forth a methodology for determining the optimal educational mix of Marine Corps enlisted personnel. Assuming a goal of maximizing net benefit, high school graduates and nongraduates were evaluated in terms of both cost and performance differences. High school graduates cost more to recruit than nongraduates but have a lower attrition rate. In addition, there is abundant evidence that high school graduates perform better than nongraduates on the job. Educational requirements for new accessions were determined for several cost and relative-performance scenarios.

This Research Memorandum contains the first of three evaluations of the Targeted Enlistment Bonus (TEB) for Nuclear Field (NF) recruits. The TEB differs from the standard enlistment bonus by varying the bonus amounts according to the season a recruit begins active duty. FY 1986 NF recruits are compared to those of previous fiscal years in terms of the timing of accessions and enlistment contracts, performance on military entrance examinations, and age.