Help Requested: Looking for USNA graduates

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highschoolresearcher

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I am currently a high school senior conducting my AP Statistics and Capstone Research project on the factors that may affect USNA graduates desire to continue active duty service after their initial commitment period is fulfilled. I am looking for way to send a brief survey to groups of graduates (ie. Facebook groups, ect) Is there anyone on here who is active in those types of groups that would be willing to help me get my survey out? Also, I would be happy to send the survey to anyone on here who meets the criteria and would be willing to complete the short survey.

Information from College Board on the course:
AP Research, the second course in the AP Capstone experience, allows students to deeply explore an academic topic, problem, issue, or idea of individual interest. Students design, plan, and implement a yearlong investigation to address a research question. Through this inquiry, they further the skills they acquired in the AP Seminar course by learning research methodology, employing ethical research practices, and accessing, analyzing, and synthesizing information. Students reflect on their skill development, document their processes, and curate the artifacts of their scholarly work through a process and reflection portfolio. The course culminates in an academic paper of 4,000–5,000 words (accompanied by a performance, exhibit, or product where applicable) and a presentation with an oral defense.
 
That’s a pretty niche group you are looking for. To be upfront, not sure you will get a good sampling.

Maybe one route would be to reach out to USNAAA? USNA’s Alumni Association?? Although I can’t imagine personal info being released.

A group I have seen successfully reach many USNA alumni, is Forever Firstie (Instagram). Not sure if they could/would help. But I’ve seen them be an effective reach out to grads. Posting on their story ‘can anyone help’ type thing. Or posting your own, with an appropriate hashtag.

What happens if you get zero responders??

Good luck! Let us know your findings!!
 
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I think it would be very hard in the macro sense to do this with any accuracy. Not only is it a complex topic, but reasons vary over time, can be based on community and even gender. State of the economy is another factor that obviously varies over time. For example, when airlines are hiring (as they are now), pilots are more likely to get out. When they're not hiring, pilots are more likely to stay in. I know a few who really wanted to stay in but their spouses essentially told them "the military or me," so they got out.

If you pursue this, I recommend selecting a finite period of time that has some relevance. For example, you might look at 5-10 years before and after 2008 (when the economy crashed). What were the reasons before and after -- did they change? Did the numbers change meaningfully? Or look at a particular community (e.g., submariners, Marines) for maybe a 20-year period. Or look at women before and after 1993 (when combat restrictions were lifted). Did that make a difference? Such "limitations" might make it easier to find the folks you want and actually get a meaningful number of results where you could actually do some analysis.

In addition to the Alumni Association, you might check with the Naval Institute. They might have done something on this topic or be able to direct you to additional sources of info.
 
There are also published articles by the usual research institutes, as well as theses at the Naval Postgraduate School and other military schoolhouses.
 
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