A Longitudinal Study of the Cadet-to-Ensign Transition.

This study was undertaken to determine the specific tasks for which newly graduating Ensigns from the CG Academy were adequately and inadequately prepared. Attitudinal, expectation, and job related data were collected from the Academy staff, the Ensign, and his or her prospective Commanding Officer before the Ensign graduated, after being at their first unit for eight months, and again for a subpopulation at 15 months. Performance data were also captured. The findings indicate that Ensigns and their Commanding Officers have significantly differing perceptions of the duties of the Ensign the Academy staff does not differ from the field in either expectation, attitudinal, or job related areas as had been the folklore performance differences in the Ensign can be attributed somewhat to differences between their attitudes and those of their Commanding Officers, but more significantly to the differences between the Ensigns joborganization expectations while at the Academy, and their subsequent perception of reality. Expectation disparity, regardless of direction high expectations unmet or low expectations overmet has a major impact on performance ratings. Recommendations were made to make minor adjustments to the Academys Professional Military curriculum, but in general the study found that the Academy appears to be achieving the goals of its charter. Author