Recruit Training Command Attrition Rate Falls 50 Percent

0 Comments | US Navy Press Releases, Apr 01, 2003

. Recruit Training Command Attrition Rate Falls 50 Percent

By Chief Journalist Rhonda Burke, Naval Training Center Great Lakes, Ill., Public Affairs

GREAT LAKES, Ill. (NNS) -- Each recruit who arrives at Recruit Training Command (RTC) Great Lakes, Ill., comes with the goal of becoming a Sailor, but each year, a certain percentage falls short of that goal. Some are disqualified for medical reasons, while others fail due to their inability to adjust to military life or perform academically.

But through a series of mentoring and reach-back programs designed to prepare delayed entry personnel for the demands of boot camp, RTC has decreased attrition to an average of 9.18 percent annually during fiscal year 2002, down from an 18 percent peak during calendar year 1999. Additionally, service-connected attrition - which is directly related to training - has decreased from 2.13 percent to .69 percent in the past two years.

"I'm enormously proud of the entire team. What is important is how they are reducing attrition - leadership, mentoring, mission-focus, respect for the Navy and all its requirements, along with solid recruiting, command emphasis and many more factors," said Rear Adm. Ann E. Rondeau, Commander, Naval Training Center Great Lakes.

One program that has had a significant impact on decreasing attrition is the use of a pre-screening drug test for those shipping to boot camp. This not only screens for possible drug use, it also sets the standard for the Navy's zero tolerance policy prior to a recruit being officially sworn into the Navy.

Prospective recruits are tested 30 days from their ship date and 24-hours prior with a screening test that can detect cocaine and marijuana use within the past 30-days. Individuals with positive screening results are not allowed to ship to boot camp. This has reduced initial drug screening and drug dependency attrition from 4.87 percent at the end of FY 1999 to 2.42 percent in FY 2002.

RTC personnel have also worked with CNRC to improve initial screening for height/weight standards, delayed entry program training and increasing recruiter awareness of RTC through the Recruiter Refresher Course, in which recruiters visit RTC and see firsthand what today's boot camp experience is like.

"It is very beneficial to have recruiters visit boot camp and see today's training. Basic training has evolved over the years, and we have found that recruits with clear expectations of what to expect in boot camp do better in training," Wilkinson said. "The best way to give them clear direction on what to expect is to ensure recruiters are current on basic military training."

A mentoring program has also been established for recruits awaiting separation from the Navy, and a small percentage has been able to return to training and complete boot camp. Chaplains are assigned to the separation barracks, and staff members are screened to work closely with these recruits.

"The mentoring program that the staff has established in the separations division has shown recruits that there is still an opportunity for those who are committed to completing their boot camp training," Wilkinson said.

The staff has developed a voluntary training program for recruits in separations that includes the opportunity to take the Navy's Personal Responsibilities and Values Education and Training (PREVENT) class. The staff is currently working with the Fleet and Family Support Center to develop a one-day Transition Assistance Program (TAP) course.

Recruits who wish to remain in the Navy must write a letter requesting to be returned to training. They must have the recommendation of two recruit division commanders and must then request captain's mast to complete the approval process. Since the program began, 62 percent of those returned to training have completed boot camp.

"There will always be people who are unable to make the adjustment to Navy life, or who are not fit for naval service. But our hope is that we leave them with a positive impression of the Navy that they share when they return home," Wilkinson said. "We know from exit surveys that many of them are taking home with them a higher-sense of self-discipline than they entered the Navy with."

For related news, visit the Naval Training Center Great Lakes Navy NewsStand page at www.news.navy.mil/local/greatlakes.