Date of Award

7-23-2013

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Department

Sociology

First Advisor

J. Beth Mabry, Ph.D.

Second Advisor

John A. Anderson, Ph.D.

Third Advisor

Wade Seibert, D.S.W.

Abstract

This study measured the effects of The Crucible culminating event of U. S. Marine Corps recruit training on recruits' values of Honor, Courage, Critical Thinking, and Identity as Marines as part of the broader socialization process that occurs through the organizational context of U. S. Marine Corps boot camp. This study involved a sample of 248 U. S. Marine Corps recruits. The research design used in this study produced cross-sectional time series data. From a 47-question survey tool with Likert scale response choices, descriptive statistics and a Multi-Level Mixed Effects Linear Regression analyses were used to evaluate responses. Results from three open-ended questions were also analyzed for emerging themes. Results showed measurable increases in values of Honor, Courage, Critical Thinking, and Marine Identity for recruits and are significantly higher after the effects of the socialization process of boot camp and after The Crucible compared to prior to The Crucible. This pattern of results provides empirical support for the theoretical model of The Crucible put forth by the 31st Commandant of the Marine Corps General Charles C. Krulak (1995).

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