Military Performance Variables

This category of variables will be used to describe the performance and ability related measures that may serve as proxies for a person’s military adaptability, motivation, and person-job fit within the organization, which may influence their continuation of service beyond their contract completion. The Marine Corps maintains its own unique military culture and job performance standards, which may affect how reservists’ perceive their suitability to continue to serve based on their performance in the these areas.

a. AFQT

Armed Forces Qualification Test (AFQT) scores were grouped into two main categories: low quality AFQT score and high quality AFQT score. Anyone falling into the AFQT categories of 1-3A was classified as “high quality scores,” whereas AFQT scores in categories 3B and below were classified as “low quality scores.” Both variables are binary. The primary justification for this approach was due to problematic categorical representation amongst the data.

Previous research on the topic has found that the AFQT test scores among Marine Corps reservists have increased nearly 5% from 64.2 to 67.4 from Sept 2001 to Sept 2006 (Dolfini-Reed & McHugh, 2007). This evidence is further supported by this NPS dataset where the population’s initial entry scores between 1997–2009 had an average AFQT score of 66 (category 2 or high quality score). Further, high quality scores comprised 82.24% of scores in this full sample. AFQT test scores appear highly relevant to use as predictor variables in this study since they may potentially signal an increase in civilian job opportunities and earning potential for those that have high quality scores, and thus impacting continuation rates (Price, 2010). Potentially, individuals with higher AFQT scores are more likely to experience a large income loss during mobilization, which could serve as a deterrent to continued service in the SMCR.

b. PFT Score

The Marine Corps Physical Fitness Score (PFT²⁴) is strongly correlated with the indispensable aspect of leadership. Culturally, many Marines who perform well on the PFT are perceived to be good overall performers within the Corps and possess the prerequisite characteristics of determination, discipline, and motivation in order to maintain strict physical fitness standards. Certain performance levels on the PFT may help identify and indicate certain systematic differences of those who score well on the test and those who do not. The PFT variables are binary and divided into 5 categories:

first class PFT, second class PFT, third class PFT, medically excused from PFT, PFT failure, and PFT deployed. The PFT Medical variable accounts for those scores in the data that represented individuals excused or injured preventing a Marine from taking the PFT. Lastly, the PFT deployed variable accounts for those who are exempt from taking the PFT due to being in a deployed status. The Marine Corps PFT scoring distribution²⁵ is outlined in Table 4.

Table 4. Marine Corps Physical Fitness Test Standards

Source: Marine Corps Order (MCO) P6100.12

24 The Marine Corps Physical Fitness Test (PFT) consists of a timed 3-mile run, crunches performed in a two-minute time limit, and the performing of dead-hang pull-ups on a stationary bar. The maximum score in each category when totaled will equal 300: an 18:00 minute 3-mile run, 20 pull-ups, and 100 crunches.

25 Note: the PFT Score Table above excluded the age category of 46 and above, since that specific age group is not relevant to this study. Most ages represented in the dataset are between 17-26 years.

c. Proficiency and Conduct Score

For Marines below the rank of Sergeant, another indicator of job performance is their Proficiency (Pro) and Conduct (Con) Markings. This score attempts to encompass numerous aspects of their military performance, ability, and character and conceivably may offer the most comprehensive measure of the overall military ability of an individual. Per the Marine Corps Individual Records Administration Manual (IRAM)²⁶ the assignment of proficiency marks takes into consideration the following individual traits: technical skills, specialized knowledge, leadership, and overall Marine skills such as battle skills testing (BST) results and professional military education.

The assignment of conduct marks takes into account the following traits:

military bearing, attitude/enthusiasm, reliability, positive influence on others, courtesy, adaptability, obedience, participation/cooperation, integrity, interest, and community activity. Acquiring high rated marks may signal a propensity to continue military service;

however, it may also be a cue for susceptibility to leaving reserve service since their requisite skills sets may be in high demand in the civilian sector.

Each variable (proficiency and conduct) is graded on a 5-point scale, and averages the total combined pro/con marks received during their entire enlistment period.

Since they both are comprehensively examining military related traits, the two variables have been combined together on a 10-point scale, which provides an aggregate overall pro/con rating²⁷. There is some internal bias built into each pro/con rating because, as with any rating system, potential for subjectivity bias is always present.

26 The Individual Records Administration Manual (IRAM), Marine Corps Order (MCO) P1070.12K, issues guidance and compliance for all administration records, to include specific marking guidance to leaders as they pertain to proficiency and conduct markings for Corporals and below. Marines with average pro/con marks below 4.0 are not eligible for promotion and average marks for a Marine typically are around 4.4 in both categories.

27 The 10.0 combined score was created by subtracting 4.0 from each score (i.e., those not

d. Rank

There are five binary rank variables for Private (Pvt), Private First Class (PFC), Lance Corporal (LCpl), Corporal (Cpl), and Sergeant (Sgt). Ranks are inherently a function of performance and ability and those that are promoted to the rank of Cpl and Sgt may have a stronger propensity to continue service. Further, it is important to note that the primary focus of rank effects will center around the ranks of Cpl and Sgt, since those Marines make up the preponderance of the population that manage to complete their 6-year drilling obligations. In addition, Lance Corporals will most likely be ineligible for reenlistment when they reach 8 years of service due to service limitations that require achieving a minimum rank of Sergeant, which is difficult to achieve in only 2 years. Thus, Marines that continue beyond 6 years of service in the rank of Lance Corporal must be motivated by something other than long-term career aspirations.