Research for Recruits

This report examines the validity of the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) forms 6 and 7. Validity in this analysis is the correlation between ASVAB test scores and subsequent performance in military training courses. Recruits are assigned to specific military training based, in part, on their scores on subgroups of tests (aptitude composites) contained in the ASVAB. We determined the most appropriate aptitude composite, and minimum acceptable score on that composite, for assignment to each training course. ASVAB forms 6 and 7 (the source of test score data for this analyses) are compared with the recently introduced ASVAB forms 8, 9, and 10. Based on this comparison we consider the results of our validity analyses of ASVAB forms 6 and 7 to be applicable for recruit assignment using ASVAB forms 8, 9, and 10.

SCREEN is a table of chances of completing the first year of service used in qualifying applicants for enlistment. The chances are a function of educational level, mental group, age, and dependency status. Because SCREEN was based on regular Navy recruits in 1973, it was updated on recruits and extended to reservists and women who enlisted in 1977. The 1977 regular and reservist SCREENs are compared with one another and with the 1973 version. A women's SCREEN is evaluated in light of current recruiting policy. A streamlined vesion of the 1973 SCREEN is presented, along with a cost-benefit analysis of the qualifying score.

The effects on the number of Navy enlistments of recruiters, their distribution, and their quotas are investigated. Published census data on the population and on the demographic and economic characteristics of Navy Recruiting Districts, and regression analysis, are used to control for differences in enlistment potential across districts. Results for CY 1973 and FY 1975 are compared. Improvements to the quota-setting process are considered.