Fundamental Applied Skills Training (FAST) program measures of effectiveness

• Main Author: Thomlison, Cynthia Ann.
• Other Authors: Crawford, Alice
• Language: en_US
• Published: Monterey, California. Naval Postgraduate School 2013
• Online Access: http://hdl.handle.net/10945/32206

This thesis attempts to measure the effectiveness of Fundamental Applied Skills Training (FAST), a program designed to help selected Navy recruits succeed in Basic Military Training (BMT) by improving their literacy skills. The study first analyzes whether completion of FAST is related to the subsequent completion of BMT for recruits who entered the Navy in Fiscal Years 1992 and 1993. FAST participants and other recruits with relatively low literacy skills from these two recruit cohorts are then compared on the basis of additional success indicators: completion of the first term of service and advancement toward higher rank (EA). Study results suggest that participation in FAST is related to an increased probability of completing BMT and generally higher success chances in the Navy during the first term of service. Limitations in the data are addressed along with recommendations for further study.