| The research presented in this dissertation offers an understanding of factors that influence an enlisted Airman's reenlistment intent. The study explores the factors that influence a first-term enlisted Airman's decision to reenlist in the U.S. Air Force during a period of war. Several factors, such as demographics and deploying in support of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, are evaluated to understand the impact these variables have on an Airman's decision-making. The study is based on a survey administered to a population of enlisted Airmen stationed in southwest region with the results indicating which factors have a positive impact on retention, and which have a negative impact on the decision to reenlist in the United States Air Force. Furthermore, the research will show that the impact that factors such as deploying in support of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, an Airman's marital status, and the number of years an Airman has served in the Air Force can affect an Airman's decision. The findings of this study will be of greatest importance to supervisors, career assistance advisors and commanders of first-term Airmen to assist them in developing a mixture of the right career counseling, family and member support programs, and incentives to ensure first-term Airmen make the right decisions in regards to reenlistment. |
