Impact of the Army Continuing Education System (ACES) on Soldier Retention and Performance: Data Analyses

摘要

This evaluation of the Army Continuing Education System (ACES) considered the following programs: (a) Tuition Assistance (TA); (b) Functional Academic Skills Training (FAST); (c) Military Occupational Specialty Improvement Training (MOSIT); (d) Noncommissioned Officer (NCO) Leader Skill Enhancement Courses; and (e) the Armed Forces Classification Test (AFCT). The assessment of the effectiveness of these programs is based on their ability to enhance soldier performance and increase the prospects of promotion, as well as to reduce attrition and increase reenlistment. The evaluation data came from a longitudinal administrative database that tracked a three-year accession cohort over a six-year period and an NCO database including self-reported participation in ACES programs, promotion information, and observed performance ratings. The analysis was designed to separate effects of participant characteristics from the effects of the program, and to control for differences in the opportunity and propensity to participate in ACES. Participation in TA and FAST were associated with an increase in the probability of first term reenlistment FAST participation was also associated with lower first-term attrition. Participation in several ACES programs showed positive effects on measures of performance and promotion potential.