Navy Security Force (NSF) Retention Analysis

Abstract

This study analyzes and assesses the shortcomings of the Navy Security Force personnel footprint, specifically as it pertains to the current retention challenges NSF faces. The NSF is critical to the Navy’s mission, ensuring the safety of naval assets. Despite the force’s criticality, retention of personnel is a persistent issue likely due to factors including salary, pension, work-life balance, job duties, and military requirements. By analyzing data received from the Defense Manpower Data Center (DMDC) and the Pentagon, the study employs statistical techniques, including trend line analysis, to identify the most prominent factors contributing to this issue. The analysis found that Navy Security Forces earn up to 45% less than local law enforcement in key states, face limited career growth, and show a notable trend where women—despite comprising only 10% of the force—exhibit consistently higher retention rates than men.