Samuel Absher

This report presents the results of three analyses: (1) determining which characteristics of recruiters are most strongly linked to recruiting production, (2) identifying which Department of the Air Force recruiting offices would gain the most from adding recruiters, and (3) examining how the factors affecting recruiter productivity are different in two types of markets. The report also provides recommendations for improving recruiting data.

The authors provide information on how the fit between the Basic Allowance for Housing and area housing prices has evolved for Army personnel and the implications of that fit for the adequacy of housing for Army personnel.

This report's authors examine the contributions of overseas campaigning instruments to U. S. strategic goals. The authors conducted statistical analyses of the relationships between these tools and deterrence, access and cooperation, and partner stability and developed rough-order-of-magnitude cost estimates for these instruments to provide the foundations of a decision-support tool to inform U. S. Department of Defense campaign planning.

Using an updated version of RAND's Recruiting Resource Model, the authors analyze the relationship between observed and alternative mixes of Army spending on recruiting resources (advertising, recruiters, and bonuses) and recruiting outcomes, particularly contracts and accessions. Results indicate that TV advertising and, to a lesser extent, recruiters are more cost-effective than bonuses at increasing enlistments.

Many states implemented automatic voter registration, removed excuse requirements for absentee ballots, and expanded early voting windows ahead of the 2020 election. This report examines the effects that these changes in voting laws-meant to encourage turnout and protect public health during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic-had on levels of voter turnout and, relatedly, the effects of in-person voting on the spread of COVID-19.