SELF-RELIANCE AND MILITARY SERVICE TRAINING OUTCOMES

The purpose of these 2 studies was to examine the self-reliance of bas ic military trainees in the U.S. Air Force. Study 1 was a cross-sectio nal, comparative analysis of 3 groups of basic military trainees (N = 158). Study 2 was a predictive validity study of 13 groups of basic mi litary trainees (N = 1,339). Both studies indicated that self-reliant trainees fared better in training than did their less self-reliant cou nterparts. They were healthier, had higher self-esteem, lower burnout, and higher completion rates. A post hoc analysis of self-reliance, se lf-esteem, and burnout is reported. Given that self-reliance appears i mportant, we suggest developmental activities for enhancing self-relia nce in military organizations.