Date of Award

3-2021

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science

Department

Department of Operational Sciences

First Advisor

Raymond R. Hill, PhD

Abstract

Female retention rates in the US military have been considerably lower than that of their male counterparts for numerous years. In the Air Force, women represent 14 percent of officer ranks from O-5 level and above. Comparatively, the overall rate of women officers in service is 20 percent. Understanding the negative factors associated with the attrition rate of this group can help the Air Force leverage positive change. It may also influence adjustments that will increase the number of women serving, and improve diversity throughout both the officer and enlisted ranks. In this study, logistic regression and survival analysis are applied to model retention and some understanding of how to diversify the Air Force, through increasing our female officer population. Demographic, organizational, and political elements are considered to ensure all affecting issues are measured. Programs that have gone into effect in the past five years, such as the Force of the Future, and Blended Retirement, are also considered to determine their statistical significance. Applying logistic regression determines potential factors affecting retention rates. All elements are include in survival analysis to characterize female officer retention behavior. Implementing and providing such analysis will help generate a prediction model for retention rates amongst female officers, and how to further amplify diversity.

AFIT Designator

AFIT-ENS-MS-21-M-142

DTIC Accession Number

AD1130264

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