Gender Integration of Basic Combat Training and Career Intent of Enlisted First-Term Soldiers

Abstract

Abstract : Past findings summarized by Mottern, Foster, Brady, and Marshall-Mies (1997) have supported the conclusion that the gender-integrated approach to training does not adversely influence the basic-training performance of either female or male soldiers. The research here investigated differences between soldiers with single gender or gender-integrated basic training in their career intentions and Army adaptation over the full course of initial entry training (IET), that is, basic and advanced entry training. Analyses of variance revealed that differences by type of training and soldier gender were relatively small but tended to indicate more positive outcomes for the soldiers (males and females) having had gender-integrated basic training. Despite a slight decrease over time, responses at the end of IET remained positive, and the decline in adaptation tended to be less frequent for males with gender-integrated basic training. In general, the attitudes of soldiers in different training environments were similar and showed similar changes over time. Thus, the overall pattern supports earlier conclusions (Mottern et al.,1997; Harrell & Miller, 1997) and suggests that over the full course of IET, the gender integration of basic training is not associated with more negative effects in terms of the career intent or adaptation of male or female soldiers.