Patterns of Personnel Attrition in Explosive Ordnance Disposal Training.

Enrollment data for the years 1976 to 1981 from the U.S. Naval School of Explosive Ordnance Disposal are examined and patterns of attrition identified. Attrition increased linearly over time among all enlisted personnel from all services. Attrition rates were significantly higher or paygrades E1, E2, and E3 than for paygrades E4 and above. Diving instruction and the physical training program were the primary sources of Navy attrition, while poor academic performance accounts for most of the attrition of non-Navy personnel. Students who left training voluntarily did not encounter any more difficulties in the curriculum than students who graduated. This indicates that extracurricular factors may be contributing to attrition. A review of the training curriculum is recommended to identify the antecedents of attrition and to determine possible curriculum revisions to reduce attrition while retaining quality training. (Author)