Thesis (Ph. D.)--Ohio State University, 2007. / Title from first page of PDF file. Includes bibliographical references (p. 164-172).

published_or_final_version / Social Work / Doctoral / Doctor of Philosophy

published_or_final_version / Business Administration / Master / Master of Business Administration

published_or_final_version / Mathematics / Master / Master of Philosophy

Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited / This thesis developed a deterministic Markov state model to provide the U.S. Navy Nurse Corps a tool to more accurately forecast recruiting goals and future years force structure. Nurse Corps data was provided by the Nurse Corps Community Manager's office covering fiscal years 1990 to 2003. The probabilities used in the Markov model were derived from the fiscal year data. Transitions used in this model were stay at present grade, move up one grade or exit the system. Backward movement was not allowed and individuals could only move up one grade per year. The model was limited to eleven years and focused primarily on the ranks of O-1 to O-3. O-4's and O-5's that appeared in the data were allowed to flow through the system. Logistic regression was then used to investigate the probability of "staying" in the Nurse Corps to certain career decision points. Nurse Corps cohort data files for fiscal years 90 through 94 were merged for analysis, as was cohort data for fiscal year 96 through 98. Results of the markov model show that the O-1's and O-2's reach a steady state at the eight-year mark while the O-3's reach a steady state at the seventeen-year mark (based on provided data). The steady state values are compared to actual Nurse Corps goals. Results of the logistic regression show that Recalls, Medical Enlisted Commissioning Program and Nurse Candidate Program were all significant at increasing the probability of staying in the Nurse Corps. Males were more likely than females to stay in the Nurse Corps and changes in education levels decreased the probability of staying in the Nurse Corps. / Lieutenant, United States Navy

This research was conducted in association with Naval Warfare Development Command (NWDC) requests to update Unmanned Vehicle Tactical Memorandum TM-3-22- 5-SW. The research identified and discussed significant USV manning considerations such as source ratings and manpower qualities to pilot, operate sensors, support USV electronics, and the manpower implications associated with various weapons systems alternatives. In addition, this research described several existing and notional USV tactics, as well as a discussion about the existing N75 and N76 primary and secondary mission areas USV operations may support. The methodology consisted of a literature review of USV test reports; USV Advanced Concept Technology Demonstration briefs; USV Concept of Operations; fleet lessons learned; the USV tactical memorandum; Naval manpower instructions, and manuals; Weapons Tactical, Field, and Training Manuals; Military Utility Assessments; search of books, magazines, and manpower theses. The research found that determining manpower qualities and standard operating procedures will remain a dynamic process until USV equipment is standardized. The research also showed USV launch and recovery is more manpower intensive than that of a standard RHIB. Gunners Mates (GM) and Aviation Ordnancemen (AO) are potential source ratings to support USV Hellfire and Javelin missile modules. The Navy should establish a GM Navy Enlisted Classification (NEC) to support Hellfire and Javelin or add these weapons to existing GM NECs. Electronics Technicians (ET), Fire Controlmen (FC), and Fire Control Technicians (FT) are potential source ratings for USV electrical/electronic support. FC and FT are potential source ratings to support the Remote Operated Small Arms Mount. This research found additional warfighting capabilities can be gained by equipping surface warfare vessels with USV's without any negative effects to primary or secondary warfare missions. Overall, USVs enhanced designed capabilities of Naval warships and directly support a capabilities based Navy.

A Markov model was used to determine the optimal number of Medical Service Corps Health Care Administrator officers the Navy must access each year in order to maintain a desired end-strength. The Markov model identified the flow of Ensigns through Lieutenant Commanders using sixteen-year data. Five scenarios were analyzed to determine the most qualified method in determining accession levels. Optimization was achieved by changing with distribution of accessions sources and recruiting ranks. The solver scenario provided the alternative with the least amount of underage and overage when comparing the force structure to the predicted values. A four year historical review identified that if the current business practices will not allow for rank steady states to be reached. A few significant characteristics were determined to influence retention at seven and ten year periods. The characteristic of primary concern, commissioning source, was determined to be significant. A survival analysis identified that the In-Service Procurement Program has a different survival function than other sources. Increased variations between the current force structure plan and the predicted Markov model outcomes suggest that greater efficiency could be obtained in future years. This Markov model can be used as a tool for accessioning to improving extended forecasts.

CHDS State/Local / Since September 2001, health threats associated with acts of terrorism have become an area of increasing concern. The Strategy for Homeland Security stresses the need for a robust public health component to quickly respond to and recover from attacks and other emergencies. The assumption that public health is an optimal system that simply needs to be aimed in new directions is fundamentally flawed. Public health baseline requirements for responding to threats are not as well understood as they might be. The purpose of this research is to help establish a common and accurate measure for assessing the public health infrastructure. Using the case study of Union County, New Jersey this thesis surveys the activities public health agencies are expected to perform; compares performance to target objectives; and employs a manpower matrix as a model for determining staffing requirements for local public health. This study argues that that the goal of sustainable funding for public health begins with an accurate measure of the capacities of the system in relation to demands placed upon it. Without such a measure public health will continue to fail in its primary functions and lack the capacity to meet Homeland Security goals. / Health Officer, County of Union

This thesis studied the retention of United States Naval Academy Voluntary Graduate Education Program (VGEP) and Scholarship participants in graduating classes of 1983-1998. The comparison group of nonparticipants consisted of USNA graduating classes 1983-1998 with an Academic Quality Point Rating (AQPR) comparable to the early graduate education students. AQPR was used in order to make the academic backgrounds similar for the participants and non-participants. The retention behavior of program participants and nonparticipants was compared to determine if participation in early graduate education affected retention. The models analyzed retention to each year of service between six and twelve years. In the retention models for unrestricted line officers, both VGEP and Scholarship had a small positive effect on retention to 7 YCS. Although the adjusted differences in retention are not large in magnitude, the results dispel the notion that early graduate education programs are used as vehicles by junior officers to facilitate transition to the civilian labor market following expiration of their initial service obligation. No changes to the service obligations for these programs were recommended.

Approved for public release; distribution unlimited / What is the political feasibility of a peacetime draft? Throughout this nation's history, the military manning debate has focused upon two separate schools of thought. On the one hand, there are those who believe that a "professional" force, comprised of experienced, career military personnel, is needed for national defense. At the same time, others have argued that a force composed of armed citizens is the best expression of democratic, "citizensoldier" ideals. A return to conscription has been proposed as the best means of remedying the deficiencies resulting from a market-based recruiting system. However, the fact is that Americans are quite satisfied with the current system (according to a 1984 survey). This thesis seeks to place the draft revival question within the framework of the philosophical and historical issues that have helped to shape the nation's attitudes toward military service. A major conclusion of the study is that political acceptability of a peacetime draft in the United States is highly questionable. / http://archive.org/details/assessmentofpoli00batt / Lieutenant, United States Navy