This study examines technical and behavioral relationships between independent
variables related to U.S. Naval Academy graduates and their probabilities for submarine
duty assignment and service with technical competence as junior officers. ìTechnical
competenceî is defined as: successful completion of Nuclear Power School, Nuclear
Power Training Unit, and the Prospective Nuclear Engineer Officer examination (PNEO).
Data analysis of different outcome models is accomplished with the use of binary LOGIT
regressions. Results suggest Engineering and Mathematical/Sciences majors (Group 1 &
2) have greater chances for submarine service assignment and better performance during
initial nuclear training programs than officers with Humanities/Social Sciences (Group 3)
majors. However, the Group 1 & 2 advantages, slowly decrease over time and eventually
Group 3 officers linearly perform as well as their peers during PNEO. Findings suggest
Group 3 majors are as desirable as other undergraduate majors when selecting submarine
officers. Study limitations are discussed with future implications and suggested research
opportunities.
http://archive.org/details/effectivepredict10945928
Lieutenant, United States Navy
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