High Cost of Military Attrition Can Be Reduced
FPCD-79-28: Published: Feb 16, 1979. Publicly Released: Feb 16, 1979.
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GAO made a study to determine the total costs associated with first-term attrition (those military members separated before completing their initial enlistments). Attrition is not only costly in terms of recruiting and training new personnel, but also for benefits available to servicemen after discharge. Attrition of those who entered military service during fiscal year 1974 to 1977 cost the Goverment an estimated $5.2 billion including veterans' benefits available to servicemen after discharge.
Higher attrition during recent years has resulted in cost savings in some areas such as a reduction in the operations of correctional facilities. The costs incurred during the recruit training period and the potential costs for unemployment compensation and veterans' benefits represent the Government's investment which must be amortized over the period of each member's initial enlistment. Therefore, GAO amortized the investment at the end of training over the productive period attritees served with their units. Costs which were not amortized, or were incurred for those who left during the training period, represent the cost of attrition. One way of reducing costs is by limiting the Government's investment in those who leave early. Those individuals who by their actions or performance choose not to fulfill their enlistment obligations could be denied veterans' benefits. Individuals with service-connected disabilities would still be eligible.
Dec 15, 2020
The Nation's Fiscal Health:
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Oct 7, 2020
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The Nation's Fiscal Health:
A Long-Term Plan Is Needed for Fiscal SustainabilityGAO-21-161T: Published: Oct 7, 2020. Publicly Released: Oct 7, 2020.
Sep 23, 2020
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The Nation's Fiscal Health:
Effective Use of Fiscal Rules and TargetsGAO-20-561: Published: Sep 23, 2020. Publicly Released: Sep 23, 2020.
Jan 23, 2020
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Federal Trust Funds and Other Dedicated Funds:
Fiscal Sustainability Is a Growing Concern for Some Key FundsGAO-20-156: Published: Jan 16, 2020. Publicly Released: Jan 23, 2020.
Dec 19, 2019
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State and Local Governments' Fiscal Outlook:
2019 UpdateGAO-20-269SP: Published: Dec 19, 2019. Publicly Released: Dec 19, 2019.
Nov 14, 2019
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Certificated Expenditures:
Executive Office of the President FY 2018 Certificated Expenditures Were Spent for Authorized PurposesGAO-20-139R: Published: Nov 14, 2019. Publicly Released: Nov 14, 2019.
Oct 16, 2019
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Civilian Personnel:
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Jun 26, 2019
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The Nation's Fiscal Health:
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Apr 10, 2019
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The Nation's Fiscal Health:
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Mar 27, 2019
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Fiscal Exposures:
Federal Insurance and Other Activities That Transfer Risk or Losses to the GovernmentGAO-19-353: Published: Mar 27, 2019. Publicly Released: Mar 27, 2019.
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