1. Richard Fafara/CFSC-SP/(703) 681-7438/(DSN 761)/richard.fafara@cfsc.army.mil 1 of 12 29032007 MWR Programs and Their Effect on Readiness and Retention "Linkage between Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR) Programs and Mission" Dave Westhuis, Ph.D., Indiana University Richard Fafara, Ph.D., Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation Command, U.S. Army

2. Richard Fafara/CFSC-SP/(703) 681-7438/(DSN 761)/richard.fafara@cfsc.army.mil 2 of 12 29032007 MWR Programs and Their Effect on Readiness and Retention Previous Research MWR Programs and Readiness Links: 1995 and 2003 Update (Caliber Associates) –Specified a conceptual model of MWR – Readiness relationships based on findings from civilian and military literature –Identified possible links (direct and indirect) between MWR usage and readiness dimensions –Limitations: The generalizability of the links identified was questionable Few studies provided empirical support for the links Challenge: to conduct rigorous reliable studies on robust databases

3. Richard Fafara/CFSC-SP/(703) 681-7438/(DSN 761)/richard.fafara@cfsc.army.mil 3 of 12 29032007 MWR Programs and Their Effect on Readiness and Retention In-Depth Analysis Purpose: (1) To determine if statistical significance exists between “MWR usage” and: –Desire to stay in Army –Unit teamwork/esprit de corps –Career issues –Satisfaction with Quality of Army Life (2) If so, measure the strength (effect size) of the associations Data Source: Spring 2005 Sample Survey of Military Personnel (SSMP)

4. Richard Fafara/CFSC-SP/(703) 681-7438/(DSN 761)/richard.fafara@cfsc.army.mil 4 of 12 29032007 MWR Programs and Their Effect on Readiness and Retention Effect Size: Standards *Cohen (1988) Author of the Effect Size ScaleCohen (1988) Levels of Effect Size (Practical /Clinical) Variable Relationship Effect Size Range -2 to +2 (Can be positive or negative) Ability to apply Large* Spouse’s support for Soldier remaining in Army & Soldier’s intent.90 Practically/clinically significant Medium* Helpfulness of FAC during the last deployment and desire for soldier to stay in Army.45 Educationally significant Small* Satisfaction with the PX and desire to remain in the Army.15 - 2 + 2 0 As one variable increases, another variable increases As one variable increases, another variable decreases Effect Size Range Any effect size is important. Effect size shows us the strength of the relationship between two statistically significant variables.

5. Richard Fafara/CFSC-SP/(703) 681-7438/(DSN 761)/richard.fafara@cfsc.army.mil 5 of 12 29032007 MWR Programs and Their Effect on Readiness and Retention Emotional Attachment (EA) to Army and Retention The desire to stay in the Army increases as emotional attachment to the Army increases. (Effect Size =.93) (SSMP) Usage of MWR has a strong positive impact on emotional attachment which has a positive effect on retention

6. Richard Fafara/CFSC-SP/(703) 681-7438/(DSN 761)/richard.fafara@cfsc.army.mil 6 of 12 29032007 MWR Programs and Their Effect on Readiness and Retention Unit Teamwork Esprit De Corps Desire to Stay In Army Career Issues Satisfaction Quality of Army Life Emotional Attachment To the Army (EA) Total MWR Services Used in Last 2 Years Satisfaction with Medical and Dental Care.35.41.88 1.21.03 Direct and Indirect Impacts of MWR Usage.92 “I FEEL LIKE PART OF THE FAMILY IN THE MILITARY” “MILITARY HAS GREAT DEAL OF PERSONAL MEANING” “FEEL STRONG SENSE OF BELONGING TO THE MILITARY” “FEEL EMOTIONALLY ATTACHED TO MILITARY” Army will Protect Benefits/Retirement.39 Satisfaction & Respect from Superiors.58 Large Medium Small Four Questions on Emotional Attachment

7. Richard Fafara/CFSC-SP/(703) 681-7438/(DSN 761)/richard.fafara@cfsc.army.mil 7 of 12 29032007 MWR Programs and Their Effect on Readiness and Retention Unit Teamwork Esprit De Corps Desire to Stay In Army Career Issues Satisfaction Quality of Army Life Total MWR Services Used in Last 2 Years.13.17.16 Direct and Indirect Impacts of MWR Usage.32 Large Medium Small

8. Richard Fafara/CFSC-SP/(703) 681-7438/(DSN 761)/richard.fafara@cfsc.army.mil 8 of 12 29032007 MWR Programs and Their Effect on Readiness and Retention Unit Teamwork Esprit De Corps Desire to Stay In Army Career Issues Satisfaction Quality of Army Life Emotional Attachment To the Army (EA).13.32.17.16.88 1.21.03 Direct and Indirect Impacts of MWR Usage.92 Total MWR Services Used in Last 2 Years.35 Large Medium Small

9. Richard Fafara/CFSC-SP/(703) 681-7438/(DSN 761)/richard.fafara@cfsc.army.mil 9 of 12 29032007 MWR Programs and Their Effect on Readiness and Retention Unit Teamwork Esprit De Corps Desire to Stay In Army Career Issues Satisfaction Quality of Army Life Total Direct Effect Size Total Effect Sizes (ES) of MWR Usage Large Medium Small Total Effect Size = Direct + Indirect.31.32.42.36.13.32.17.16.44.64.59.52 Total Indirect ES = (ES MWR to EA) x (ES EA to Key Outcomes ++++ = = = =

10. Richard Fafara/CFSC-SP/(703) 681-7438/(DSN 761)/richard.fafara@cfsc.army.mil 10 of 12 29032007 MWR Programs and Their Effect on Readiness and Retention Conclusions For Soldiers, usage of MWR programs/services has: (1) A statistically significant relationship and a positive direct and an indirect impact on: Desire to stay in Army Unit teamwork/esprit de corps Career issues Satisfaction with Quality of Army Life (2) Impressive effect sizes for emotional attachment to the Army and key outcome measures. Increased usage of MWR strengthens the effect size on emotional attachment to the Army which has a large effect size on the Soldier’s desire to stay in the Army

11. Richard Fafara/CFSC-SP/(703) 681-7438/(DSN 761)/richard.fafara@cfsc.army.mil 11 of 12 29032007 MWR Programs and Their Effect on Readiness and Retention Way Ahead - FY 07 1-2 Qtrs. Additional analyses will be conducted to: –Replicate and further validate these findings using the 2004/5 Survey of Army Families V (SAF V) and 2005 Army Leisure Needs Survey (LNS) –Evaluate the direct, as well as indirect, effects of MWR usage on key variables (e.g., retention, morale, satisfaction with Army life, family adjustment to the demands of Army life, and other key outcome variables) –Include variables that have more precision in measuring the usage of MWR services rather than just “have used in last 2 years” –Study subgroups of MWR services such and leisure time activities, youth services, ACS, etc and their impact on various outcome variables

12. Richard Fafara/CFSC-SP/(703) 681-7438/(DSN 761)/richard.fafara@cfsc.army.mil 12 of 12 29032007 MWR Programs and Their Effect on Readiness and Retention Way Ahead - FY 07 3rd Qtr. Analysis will also be conducted to determine if MWR usage and effect size varies based on: –Rank of soldier –Living on- or off- post –Marital status –Soldier/spouse ethnicity –Being located in CONUS/OCONUS –Deployment status of Soldier –Gender of the Soldier/spouse