Friendships formed at the United States Air Force Academy: alumni perceptions of social capital and resilience
Date
2019
Authors
Gauck, Brian Q., author
Makela, Carole, advisor
Chermack, Thomas J., committee member
Barbarick, Ken, committee member
Shelton, Paul, committee member
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Abstract
This study examined friendships among US Air Force Academy cadets from the perspective of Academy alumni. Alumni data reveal the value of cadet friendships where resultant social cohesion is tied to resilience throughout military training as well as to long-term professional relationships. Friendships are the locus of resilience within the Cadet Wing, and alumni experiences reveal that social capital development begins as early as Basic Cadet Training. The study's theoretical model, adapted from Weidman's (1989) study of college freshmen social interactivity, juxtaposes cadet attributes (demographic characteristics of entering first-year students) against normative pressures inherent in the military/academic training environment (related to social and task cohesion and gender hegemony). The profile of students entering the Academy is typified by exemplary academic, athletic and civic performance, and while the Academy offers social and academic support programs to address retention, the historically high attrition rate strongly suggests a relationally-mediated identity shift is necessary. This identity shift typically begins before or during Basic Cadet Training. Causal-comparative data analysis suggests formation of at least one trusted friendship is a strong determinant in cadets' ability to persist through social-normative pressures. Data reveal further that military-family ties, race, and gender are secondary considerations of friendship building concerning overall influence upon cadets' ability to endure military and academic stresses than were shared values, goals, and experiences.
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Subject
military academy
resilience
social identity
military training
friendships
social cohesion