Date of Award

9-1992

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science

First Advisor

Leroy H. Gill, PhD

Second Advisor

Robert P. Steel, PhD

Abstract

This study analyzes the retention rates and demographics of Air Force Institute of Technology (AFIT) graduates. The sample includes 5,071 Air Force officers graduating between 1973 and 1987. Actual retention rates of AFIT graduates are compared to retention rates of mission support officers provided by the Air Force Military Personnel Center. A proportional hazards regression analysis is performed to study the relationship between specific factors and a graduate's length of service after graduating from AFIT. The results of this analysis show that graduates of the School of Engineering (EN) are nearly two years younger, on average, than their counterparts in the School of Systems and Logistics (LS), and remain in the service an average of two years less than LS graduates. Comparisons of the actual and expected retention rates of AFIT graduates show that the retention rate of AFIT graduates is significantly higher than the USAF at large. The results of the proportional hazards regression analysis show that GPA, age at graduation, and in some cases, sex and aeronautical rating are significant factors influencing retention.

AFIT Designator

AFIT-GSM-LSY-92S-3

DTIC Accession Number

ADA258140

Comments

The authors' Vita pages are omitted.

Presented to the Faculty of the School of Systems and Logistics

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