Applicability of Civilian Retention Theory in the New Zealand Military

The purpose of this study was to assess the applicability of civilian retention theory in the military by exploring the relationship between established determinants of retention and intentions to remain in the NZ Army. Specific hypotheses were made based on the civilian theory and these formed the basis for a preliminary military retention model. The model was then tested on 97 individuals currently enlisted in the New Zealand Army. Regression and path modeling results indicated that work satisfaction and organisational commitment are the proximal predictors of intentions to remain in the military, and that these predictors mediate the relationship between more distal predictors and retention. The results signified the relevance and usefulness of civilian research in predicting retention in the military, and future research directions are discussed