The Relationships between Entry Motivation, Conscious Goal Setting, and Attrition in NCO Training (2024–2026)

Abstract

The “Acélkocka” NCO training programme was established in 2019 with the aim of producing sergeants for the Hungarian Defence Forces who are committed to their profession, meet the expectations of the future, and possess outstanding professional knowledge. For modern armed forces, ensuring a properly motivated personnel base is of paramount importance, particularly in the case of Non-Commissioned Officers, who serve as a crucial link between leadership and execution levels. However, early attrition during the training process represents a significant challenge for the leadership of the NCO Training Centre. The approximately 35% fluctuation rate observed among candidates entering from the civilian sector indicates that the period immediately following enlistment is critical in terms of retention. The aim of the present study is to explore the reasons behind early withdrawal from the training, with particular emphasis on initial motivational factors and the expectations candidates have regarding both the training and themselves. The analysis is based on the processing of a large body of empirical data, including physical fitness indicators, entry-level motivational assessments, and conclusions drawn from individual interviews with those who left the programme.