All Vision, No Substance; are Unmet Expectations a Key Factor in the Voluntary Turnover and Discharge of Enlisted Personnel in the Naval Service?

Abstract

This article examines the early voluntary turnover of enlisted personnel within the Irish Naval Service. The purpose of the study is to explore current challenges facing the organisation regarding the retention of young, recently enlisted personnel. The paper adopts a qualitative research design with an interpretivist approach and draws on semistructured interviews undertaken with key respondents from the Irish Naval Service. The article explores different models for understanding the turnover process and makes recommendations with relevance for current and future policy. Key findings include the urgent need for the
Irish Naval Service to develop a retention strategy for young enlisted personnel, and also the need for recruits to be made aware of the realities of life at sea before joining and before they are posted to sea. The paper identifies that, without significant change, the Naval Service may face an ongoing crisis regarding the retention of enlisted personnel.