| Popis: |
This memorandum examines the causes of the recent rise in the dependency rate for Marine Corps enlisted personnel. The dependency rate is the percentage of enlisted Marines having at least one dependent. Quarterly data from the beginning of FY 1977 through 1984 are used to determine how factors such as grade, age, education, and military pay influence dependency rates. The impact of Marine Corps policy changes is also investigated. The study concludes that changes in military pay and in the age distribution of the enlisted force are the major factors causing fluctuations in dependency rates. Age is an important determinant of dependency because of its high correlation with the probability of being married. High reenlistment rates during the past few years have raised the average age within the Marine Corps. The result is more older Marines with higher rates of dependency. Even within age groups, dependency rates have been rising. Using correlation and regression techniques, the analysis found that changes in military pay have been the main cause for variations in dependency within age groups since 1977. The high rates of dependency now prevalent are actually a return to the more typical rates characteristic of the mid-1970s. The low dependency rates of 1979 and 1980 resulted primarily from the severe erosion in military pay, which reduced the enlisted Marine's ability to marry and raise a family. Since military pay has been constant for the past 2 years, the rise in dependency rates within age groups should now level off. |
