Efficacy of the CoachMePlus Application in Improving Readiness of Future Sailors

Recruitment and retention of personnel across all US military branches continues to be a challenge. For the Navy, all non-prior service recruits enter the Delayed Entry Program (DEP), where they can interact with recruiters before starting basic training, to improve physical and behavioral readiness for Navy life. CoachMePlus (CM+), a commercial performance management application, was piloted as a DEP training communication and engagement tool in Navy Talent Acquisition Group (NTAG) Southwest at several San Diego area stations (n=111).] Overall, use of the app showed improvement in content area training test scores (i.e., general military training [GMT], nutrition) and dietary improvements were reported. Recruiters also subjectively expressed increased Future Sailor (FS) engagement via the app, and the benefit of real-time training updates, which helped identify FS who needed more engagement. To validate these data, a study expansion was initiated in November 2022 to include a larger, more diverse group (goal of n=1000 FS in NTAGs Richmond and Southwest). FS were asked to complete a questionnaire (demographics and nutrition and behavioral information) and pre-knowledge checks for GMT and nutrition at baseline. Training was delivered via CM+ in three areas: physical training, GMT, and nutrition. At the end of DEP, FS were asked to complete post knowledge checks for GMT and nutrition. FS were also asked to track and log their dietary intake (foods, beverages, supplements consumed) for 3 days per month (2 weekdays and 1 weekend day). Recruiters were asked to communicate regularly and check in weekly with FS via the CM+ messaging feature.