Modeling the Individual Enlistment Decision: Analysis of the Career Decision Survey

Some US Army Recruiting, Retention, Training, and Personnel Implications of the Objective Force: The Army Enlistment Production System

“…High physical standards have been shown to negatively affect recruiting and retention. For example, the Army Research Institute published a September 1999 report [70] that states, "The physical rigors of basic training are well known to youth and may deter enlistment for those who are uncertain of their abilities to stand up to them." On the other hand, lower standards affects mission capability for combat troops.…”

“…According to a Point Paper prepared by Jim Larsen [52] Further research supports the observation on the physical fitness of the youth market. The Army Research Institute paper, Modeling the Individual Enlistment Decision: Analysis of the Career Decision Survey [70] states, "The physical rigors of basic training are well known to youth and may deter enlistment for those who are uncertain of their abilities to stand up to them." This decline in physical fitness has already affected the military's ability to recruit and retain highly technical individuals who are subjected to physical standards that increasingly are not being met by the youth population.…”

“…However, these incentives and contract requirements carry special obligations for the enlistee. The literature points out that the youth market has concerns over the length of commitment: "Concern about the length of the enlistment commitment seems to deter some from expressing interest in military service" (Source: Modeling the Individual Enlistment Decision: Analysis of the Career Decision Survey [70]). …”