LT Thomas F. Hilton, MSC, USNR and Susan M. Hilton, M.A.

The two purposes of this study were (a) to determine both the prevalence and causes of job failure among Navy shipboard in dependent duty technician (IDT) corpsmen , and (b) to identify possible methods to prevent or reduce IDT job failure. Data extracted from service records were analyzed for a sample of 58 effective (controls) and 37 ineffective (job failures) IDT corpsmen. The prevalence of job failures among Fleet IDT corpsmen was based on analysis of personnel transfer data during 1982 and 1983. The determination of causes for job failure was based on analysis of service record entries. Identification of ways to prevent/reduce job failures focused on three methods: applicant screening, post- training job assignment, and on- the - job remedial assistance. Potential screening and assignment criteria were identified by examining four types of background data : (a) demographic characteristics, (b) context and type of duty assignments, (c) training background, and (d) performance history.  The feasibility of more timely remedial technical assistance was explored using performance trends. Results indicated the prevalence of IDT job failure was estimated to be between 5 and 7% per year. Basic causes of performance-related relief were either inspection failures (38%), dishonorable conduct (32%), or problems in dealing effectively with superiors (30%). Expansion of current screening criteria could be justified on the basis of job-failure IDT corpsmen exhibiting significantly more pre-application instances of substandard performance and fewer instances of outstanding performance. Modification of assignment procedures could be justified on the basis of significant prediction of job failure based on IDT class standing. Earlier introduction of remedial technical assistance could be justified on the basis of deteriorating performance trends among ineffective corpsmen as early as three reports prior to job failure.