Development of Methods for Analysis of the Cost of Enlisted Attrition

Abstract : The objectives of this study were to (1) develop cost-effectiveness measures for first-term enlisted personnel integrating attrition, cost and value parameters; (2) compile as complete a data base on these parameters as could be accomplished with the Services' cooperation (but without creating significant new data systems), concentrating on those qualitative or identifying factors that can be known about an individual at the time of enlistment; (3) develop a user-oriented system of computer programs which will relate the data to the models in an easy-to-use, efficient, and flexible way. Data bases for attrition data for both the Navy and Marine Corps have been compiled. The cost data included here are felt to encompass all significant costs associated with first- term enlistees. The utility functions developed in this study are much more comprehensive than was originally planned because of a realization of the great impact the utility function assumptions have on the cost-effectiveness measures. The computerized Attrition Cost Analysis System has been shown to be a flexible and versatile tool for the analysis of issues related to first-term attrition and, with the data bases provided, can be a valuable addition to the manpower policy analyst's research capability.