I__. - International Military Testing Association

espondents were so concerned about this lack of information that they wrote comments about it on the
questionnaire.
Although 3% felt they were getting too much information on future personnel reductions, the
overwhelming majority of soldiers want more information from the chain of command and asked for it in
their comments: “Please keep us informed! Do not keep us in suspense ’ and “I think families of soldiers
should have more information about their spouses’ careers and pay raises, early outs, pay cuts etc.”
Of course, what they really want is for the dust to settle and for all the decisions to have been made.
As one soldier put it: “I feel that the Army has hurt morale by coming out and saying the Army must
decrease, way before it is time.” Another soldier expressed it in this way: “I feel that the military is moving
kind of fast and who knows what the future holds.” Other comments reflect a perception by some that the
cuts are being made already: “Forget the go slow method . . . Make the cuts/RIFs in one year and get’it ovci
with . . . using promotion boards in lieu of RIFs is having a terrible effect on morale.”
Concerns and Needs if
Involuntarily Separated
While most of the questionnaire
dealt with the current attitudes of Army
soldiers, it also contained questions on
what soldiers’ concerns would be if
involuntarily separated as well what help
they would need in transitioning to a new
career. Overall, if involuntarily separated,
more than one-half of pcrsonncl would be
very concerned or extremely concerned
about separation pay (70%), health and
dental care (63%), securing a job (61%),
unemployment compensation (GO%), and
health insurance (58%). Further, more
than one-third were very or extremely
concerned about advancing their education
(48%), finding a place to live (46%), child
care and schools (37%), and spouse
employment (36%). Because some
concerns may not be widespread, but may
be vitally important to those who do have
the concern, soldiers were also asked what
were their three most important concerns.
These most important concerns (adding
together the three selections) are securing
a job (over 80%), finding a place to live
(450/o), separation pay (over 30%), and
health and dental care (about 30%). ASO
while only 37% and 36% of soldiers
overall are very or extremely concerned
about child care/schools and spouse employment, the percentages . jump . _-_.a to 57% r and ,. 50% I. respectively if we
consider only those to whom these questions apply. And while only 28% or au ennsted are very or extremely
concerned about enrollment in GI Bill by paying $1200, 46% of those who are not already eligible are very
or extremely concerned about this. (Note that officers were not asked about Montgomery GI Bill benefits.)
If they were to be involuntarily separated, soldiers saw a variety of job search tools as important
23