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                         July 19, 2002

Web-based survey focuses on job satisfaction, retention

WASHINGTON (Amercan Forces Press Service ) -- What better way to learn more about what troops think than to ask? The Defense Department this month started a survey program to do just that.

"We hope it’ll allow us to adjust our policies more promptly when we see an issue or problem out there that our people are concerned with," said David Chu, undersecretary of defense for personnel and readiness.

He said letters went out July 8 to 35,000 service members pointing them to a Web-based Status of Forces Survey and advising they have until July 26 to participate, if they wish.

In 2003, DoD officials plan to expand the effort by conducting three surveys of the active force, two of the Guard and Reserve forces and one of civilian employees. By 2004, the plan is for each group to be surveyed quarterly, Chu said.

The Status of Forces Survey focuses on job satisfaction, retention plans, and spouse employment, among other issues, he said. Previous surveys looked at morale, welfare and recreation benefits and retention incentives, he added.

This is one of the earliest major survey programs from DoD to be completely Web-based. Chu said this should make it easier for members to participate and for surveyors to compile results quickly.

"It’ll give us the ability on a near-real-time basis to understand how people see their lives, whether in uniform or as a civilian employee of the Department of Defense," he said. Chu’s plans call for the results of completed surveys to be posted on a Defense Manpower Data Center Web site, www.dmdc.osd.mil/surveys.

Chu said officials believe up to half those solicited ignore surveys even though they provide individuals a valuable opportunity to have their opinions heard. He said he hopes those who receive these surveys take a few minutes to complete them.

"This is your ‘put-up-or-shut-up’ opportunity," Chu said. "Don’t just complain. Here is your chance to do something. Here is your chance to vote, so to speak, about your future and about what will be important for the people you work with as well."