MOTIVATIONAL ASPECTS IN CONSCRIPT TRAINING AND THEIR IMPACT ON LEARNING OUTCOMES AND ATTRITION

Abstract

The study behaviour of conscripts, which includes attrition and efficacy of training, has been topical in the last decade because a proportion of potential soldiers are left without training each year due to being prematurely discharged from service. Motivational aspects such as the perception of autonomy, self-efficacy, appreciation of training, and intention to quit are factors that may have an impact on the productivity of training. This study1 was conducted among conscripts drafted to the Kuperjanov Infantry Battalion and its objective was to determine the relationship that the perception of autonomy has with self-efficacy, appreciation of training, and intention to quit, as well as the relationship of these aspects with learning outcomes and attrition, using a method of repeated inquiry. The results indicate that a greater perception of autonomy supports later self-efficacy and reduces intention to quit but does not support a later appreciation of training. Greater perception of autonomy was related to better learning outcomes and decreased the likelihood of attrition. Consequently, it is possible to prevent the under-achievement and dropping out of conscripts by purposefully encouraging their training motivation and taking into consideration the combined impact of the motivational aspects studied herein.