Counter-Attrition Programs in the US Military

Abstract : Of special interest were 'counter-attrition' programs in the US military, whether in the conceptual, research, development, or operational stages. This review included the US Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard. Attention was addressed to any strategy or mechanism intended to reduce undesirable attrition in a military environment. Both up-front and downstream programs were scrutinized. Programs addressing such major issues as realistic expectations, transition from training to unit, and unit disillusionment were considered. Of interest were pre-military preparation, coping skills, behavioral modification, continuing education, retraining, motivational adjustment programs, counseling, use of post facilities, unit cohesion strategies, and the like. The primary data gathering tool was the personal and telephone interview. Considering the exploratory nature of this investigation, the interviews were of an unstructured nature. Maximum latitude was permitted to allow for expression of strongly held opinions, and relevant sources of expertise.