U.S. Coast Guard Retention Study |
Introduction
A team of U.S. Coast Guard Academy (USCGA) cadets, with support from the USCG Women’s Leadership Initiative and the USCGA Alumni Association, is seeking to understand members’ experiences in the Coast Guard. We invite members of any gender, both enlisted members and officers, who are currently serving or have served previously, to share your perspectives on why you have left the Coast Guard or would consider leaving, and what motivates you to stay. We thank you for your participation and look forward to your response.
Please read the message below and choose "I agree" to continue. Your participation in this study is voluntary. Please direct questions to Dr. Elise Jones at elise.b.jones@uscga.edu about anything you do not understand before participating. You must click "Submit" on the last page of the survey for your responses to be recorded.
Purpose of the study
Previous research conducted with active-duty Coast Guard members has suggested several factors that contribute to members' departure from the Coast Guard but did not represent those who have left the Coast Guard and reservists. This study extends prior work by seeking to understand the experiences of a full range of members, past and present, with retention factors identified in the 2019 women's retention study conducted by the RAND Corporation. This approach will inform policy recommendations that make the Coast Guard more inclusive for all members, while ensuring attention to those that impact women, who leave the Coast Guard at higher rates than men.
Please read the message below and choose "I agree" to continue. Your participation in this study is voluntary. Please direct questions to Dr. Elise Jones at elise.b.jones@uscga.edu about anything you do not understand before participating. You must click "Submit" on the last page of the survey for your responses to be recorded.
Purpose of the study
Previous research conducted with active-duty Coast Guard members has suggested several factors that contribute to members' departure from the Coast Guard but did not represent those who have left the Coast Guard and reservists. This study extends prior work by seeking to understand the experiences of a full range of members, past and present, with retention factors identified in the 2019 women's retention study conducted by the RAND Corporation. This approach will inform policy recommendations that make the Coast Guard more inclusive for all members, while ensuring attention to those that impact women, who leave the Coast Guard at higher rates than men.
Individuals who participated in the RAND women’s retention study, and USCGA staff and reservists who have participated in earlier versions of this project, are encouraged to respond.
Procedures
If you agree to participate in this study, you will be asked to respond to questions about your experiences with issues that impact members' retention in the Coast Guard. You will also be asked to provide demographic information. Completing the survey will take about 20 minutes. You may skip any question you prefer not to answer, other than those used to cater survey items to your situation.
Procedures
If you agree to participate in this study, you will be asked to respond to questions about your experiences with issues that impact members' retention in the Coast Guard. You will also be asked to provide demographic information. Completing the survey will take about 20 minutes. You may skip any question you prefer not to answer, other than those used to cater survey items to your situation.
Potential risks and discomforts
The study does not involve any more risk than you would encounter in a typical day. The study may include risks that are unknown at this time.
Anticipated benefits to subjects
There is no direct benefit to you through your involvement in this study. However, you may appreciate the opportunity to reflect on your own experiences and to contribute to research efforts that may positively impact the Coast Guard.
Payment for and costs of participation
No compensation will be provided for participation in this study. There is no cost to you to participate.
Confidentiality
Participation in this survey is anonymous. Please do not provide any information that would identify you or others in your responses to open-ended questions.
Participation and withdrawal
Your participation in this research is voluntary. Choosing not to participate will not affect your relationship with USCGA. If you decide to participate, you are free to exit the survey and withdraw from the study at any time without submitting your responses.
Rights of research subjects
You do not waive any legal claims, rights, or remedies by participating in this research study. If you have questions regarding your rights as a research subject, you may contact Dr. Elise Jones of the USCGA Management Department at elise.b.jones@uscga.edu or Dr. Joshua Gray, USCGA Director of Institutional Research, at joshua.p.gray@uscga