Evaluation of Navy Counseling and Advocacy Programs: Relating Programs to Readiness and Retention

Abstract

Public reporting burden for this collection of information is estimated to average 1 hour per response, including the time for reviewing instructions, searching existing data sources, gathering and maintaining the data needed, and completing and reviewing this collection of information. Send comments regarding this burden estimate or any other aspect of this collection of information, including suggestions for reducing this burden to Department of Defense, Washington Headquarters Services, Directorate for Infonnation Operations and Reports (0704-0188), 1215 Jefferson Davis Highway, Suite 1204, Arlington, VA 22202-4302. Respondents should be aware that notwithstanding any other provision of law, no person shall be subject to any penalty for failing to comply with a collection of information if it does not display a currently valid 0MB control number. PLEASE DO NOT RETURN YOUR FORM TO THE ABOVE ADDRESS. REPORT DATE (DD-MM-YYYY) PERFORMING ORGANIZATION NAME(S) AND ADDRESS(ES) AND ADDRESS(ES)Navy Personnel Research, Studies, and Technology Navy Personnel Command 5720 Integrity Drive MiUington, TN 38055-1000 PERFORMING ORGANIZATION REPORT NUMBERNPRST-TN-03-9 SPONSORING / MONITORING AGENCY NAME(S) AND ADDRESS(ES)Navy Personnel Command Assistant Commander Navy Personnel Command for Personal Readiness and Community Support (PERS-661) 5720 Integrity Drive MiUington, TN 38055-1000 SPONSOR/MONITOR'S ACRONYM(S) SPONSOR/MONITOR'S REPORT NUMBER(S) DISTRIBUTION / AVAILABILITY STATEMENTA -Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited ABSTRACTQuality of life (QOL) programs represent a significant investment by the military. Policy-makers need data that will enable them to determine whether QOL programs contribute to positive perceptions of Navy life and impact military outcomes. In the initial phase of this project (see Schwerin, Michael, Glaser, & Uriell, 2001, a QOL assessment system and methodology were developed that could be applied to all Navy QOL programs. The present report evaluates the survey data collected on two QOL programs: New Parent Support Program (NPSP) and the Sexual Assault Victim Intervention (SAVI) program. Surveys were administered to NPSP and SAVI program users at sites Navy-wide. Program quality generally exceeded patrons' expectations and patrons believed the programs met the program specific objectives, the overarching Reasons for Being (RFB) program goals, and Navy organizational objectives. In addition, QOL, Readiness, and the program's contribution to the Service members' Intention to Remain in the military were predicted by various RFB objectives and program quality; however, these variables had less impact on overall Career Intentions. Previous research conducted by NPRST led to the development of a quality of life (QOL) program assessment system and methodology that focused on Sailor perceptions of the effectiveness of QOL programs both at the program-specific level and at a higher-order levelhow well did these programs meet patron QOL needs. Examining QOL programs at this level allow...