<p>I have found several abstracts of studies that members of this forum may find of interest. In short, the one based on sub officer data (<a href=“http://stinet.dtic.mil/oai/oai&verb=getRecord&metadataPrefix=html&identifier=ADA343427[/url]”>http://stinet.dtic.mil/oai/oai&verb=getRecord&metadataPrefix=html&identifier=ADA343427</a>)
shows that USNA grads outperformed ROTC and OCS officers on most measures used. Some of you will love this quote from the abstract:
“Also, non-technical majors are more likely to remain in the Navy than engineering majors.”</p>
<p>A second study, using SWO data, found that NROTC officers “are more likely to stay in the Navy to the O4 promotion board.” However, “Academy graduates, engineering majors, officers with CRUDES experience, and officers with top fitness reports are more likely to promote to Lieutenant Commander.”
<a href=“http://stinet.dtic.mil/oai/oai?verb=getRecord&metadataPrefix=html&identifier=ADA343643[/url]”>http://stinet.dtic.mil/oai/oai?verb=getRecord&metadataPrefix=html&identifier=ADA343643</a></p>
<p>At least from my reading, these abstracts suggest that overall, USNA grads do outperform officers from other sources, at least to the O4 level.</p>
<p>However, an abstract from Military Psychology states that, “Contrary to expectations, commissioning source and letters of recommendation were reported to be not heavily weighted.” (Presumably, this refers to the probability of becoming an Admiral.)
<a href=“Taylor & Francis - Harnessing the Power of Knowledge”>http://www.leaonline.com/doi/abs/10.1207/s15327876mp1803s_7</a></p>