<p>Going back to the initial post, I think it’s important to point out that although the article is correct about the declining 5-yr retention rate , it grossly mistates and misrepresents the trend of the 5 year retention rates for West Point Graduates.</p>
<p>Using information provided by USMA, the retention rate for graduates has been declining since the late 1970’s and during the 1980’s dipped below the current retention rates. For the 1980 -89 classes, the percent retained at 5 years ranged from 51% (1988) to 86% (1981). For the 1990 through 1999 classes, the percent ranged from a low of 65% (1990) to a high of 78%(1999). The retention rate for the class of 2000 was 66% and, if the article is correct the class of 2001 was lower than the 66% figure. </p>
<p>Clearly the attrition rate is not “five times the levels is was before Iraq.”</p>
<p>The article infers that the attrition rate is in a death spiral. A couple of pieces of information would seem to indicate that’s not the case. First, West Point is aware of the increased attrition rate and has instigated programs to increase retention. The Army will guarantee USMA graduates slots in the most sought-after branches of the service aviation, armor or intelligence, for example in exchange for an extra three years in uniform. Similarly, if a young officer wants an initial posting to a desired location or an opportunity to earn a master’s degree, the Army will guarantee either choice in exchange for three more years of active duty.</p>
<p>The program appears to be working as the West Point graduating class of 2006 responded at levels even higher than anticipated by senior officers at the military academy, with 352 of the 875 seniors 40.2 percent signing on to the program.</p>