Structural Equation Modeling of Soldier Perceptions and Interaction-Outcomes on Military Retention

he United States (U.S.) all-volunteer military has confronted periods of recruiting and retention challenges in the face of enduring conflict since the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001. This issue contains implications for the active Army, the Army National Guard (ARNG), and the U.S. Army Reserve (USAR). U.S. Army leaders are finding it increasingly difficult to retain and field sufficient numbers of high quality and specialized personnel to meet the nation's military needs without significant bonus incentives. The Theory of Reasoned Action (TRA) has been used previously as an explanatory model for the reenlistment decisions of ARNG personnel. A gap exists in identifying variables that better explain intentions and therefore advance the TRA. The problem to be addressed was USAR soldier attrition and its eventual effect upon soldier replacement costs and unit combat readiness. The USAR attrition totals more than 25,000 soldiers per year and costs more than...