Motivations and Attitudes of Officer Candidates: An Initial Report of Findings from the Officer Pre-Comm Survey.

Data were obtained from a 1970-71 survey of officer candidates in the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, and Air Force on the motivations underlying application for training as an officer candidate. An identical 6-page, 43-item questionnaire was administered by each military service to a total of 3,924 officer candidates. A factor analysis was performed using three main variable groupings a general attitudes toward the service, b reasons influencing the decision to apply for officer training, and c perceived job satisfaction items. In general, four factors were found which influenced the decision to apply for officer training a draft motivation, b pay and other personal benefits, c anticipated job satisfaction, and d individual development.