Determination of the Potential for Dissidence in the US Army. Volume II. Survey of Military Opinion

Abstract

In recent years there has been an Increase in manifestations of unrest or dissent for young people throughout the world against institutions of authority, including the Army. The Research Analysis Corporation has undertaken a study with Institutional Research funds-to examine the nature of dissent and the characteristics of dissidents in the Army, and then to examine Army practices, procedures, and customs to learn whether or how they might be related to expressions of dissent. Volume I in the report of this study developed methodology for examining the problem of dissent on an analytical basis. This report goes on to further refine the scaling of dissident activities and to examine servicemen's opinions about Army practices and procedures-likes, dislikes, and suggestions for change. Surveys of stratified random samples of servicemen in grades El through colonel were conducted at six major installations in CONUS. Analysis of the survey results permits suggestions as to emphases in programs and practices which might serve to improve servicemen's regard for Army service. , R. WILLIAM RAE Acting Head Public Communications and Safety Department iii ACKNOWLEDGMENTS II 11 Summary 1 Objectives (l)-Facts (l)-Rrocedure and Findings (2)-Concluding Remarks (3) Abbreviations 8 Introduction 9 Problem (9)-Objectives (10)-Background (10) The Survey Instrument 13 Description (13)-The Sample (15)-Coding of Responses (l6)-Analysis of Survey Data (20) Results 21 Part I-Likes (21)-Part II-Dislikes (30)-Parts III and IV-Rroposed Improvements (32)-Part V-Reenlistment Potential (Ul)-Potential Dissidents (1*9) Concluding Remarks 57 Appendixes A. Nature of Dissidence 6l B. Coding Rationale for Opinion Survey 83