Where Have All Our Captains Gone? An Analysis of Why Junior Army Officers Are Leaving the Service.

Abstract : The number of Captains leaving the Army after their initial commitment is higher than ever and has grown to the point that the future of the Army may be at risk. These young officers represent the core leadership foundation the Army will carry into the next century. The Army, as an institution, cannot afford to lose our future to the civilian sector at this critical juncture in history. A large number of factors are contributing to our inability to keep our young officers in the Army. They range from lower benefits and pay to greater family separation and excellent job market opportunities. They are asked to move more often than ever before and they live in substandard housing. The Army needs to pay our Captains what they are worth, return to the pre-1980 retirement system, and increase the basic allowance for housing. Further, the service obligation for West Point and full scholarship ROTC cadets should be increased to seven years, permanent change of station tour lengths increased to at least three years, and regional home stationing allowed.