Predictors of one-year attrition in female Marine Corps recruits.

Objectives: The study seeks to identify demographic and health-related predictors of attrition among female Marine Corps recruits. Methods: Data are from a longitudinal study of female recruits entering the Marine Corps between June 1999 and June 2000 (N = 2.157). Measures come from tracking data and a self-administered paper-and-pencil questionnaire. Results: During recruit training (RT) 11.2% of recruits were discharged. Among RT graduates 6.6% were discharged during the following year. The cumulative attrition rate was 17.1%. No prior history of regular exercise was the only consistent predictor of discharge. Multivariate analysis also identified unsafe sex, age, race/ethnicity, and recruiting status (for active duty vs. reserve) as significant predictors of cumulative attrition. Conclusions: One-year attrition among female Marines may be reduced by more extensively screening applicants who report risk-taking behavior. Such screening can exclude applicants who are unlikely to succeed and identify others who may need additional support to complete their tour of duty.