Introduction



EDRM 600Introduction to Research MethodsArea of Focus, Problem Statement, and Research QuestionsSubmitted byRachna PayneA paper submitted to Dr. Leann Kaiserin partial fulfillment of the requirements for EDRM 600at Colorado State University05/05/13EDRM 600Overseas Permanent Change of StationRachna PayneColorado State UniversityTable of Contents TOC \o "1-3" \h \z \u Introduction PAGEREF _Toc355514429 \h 4Literature Review PAGEREF _Toc355514430 \h 4Purpose and Research Questions PAGEREF _Toc355514431 \h 5Methods PAGEREF _Toc355514432 \h 6Methodology PAGEREF _Toc355514433 \h 6Sample PAGEREF _Toc355514434 \h 6Description of Survey PAGEREF _Toc355514435 \h 7Data Collection Procedures PAGEREF _Toc355514436 \h 7Findings PAGEREF _Toc355514437 \h 7Description of Data PAGEREF _Toc355514438 \h 7Employment for Spouses PAGEREF _Toc355514439 \h 8Housing PAGEREF _Toc355514440 \h 9Pets PAGEREF _Toc355514441 \h 9Discussion PAGEREF _Toc355514442 \h 9Conclusion PAGEREF _Toc355514443 \h 12Appendices PAGEREF _Toc355514444 \h 15Appendix A. Cover Letter PAGEREF _Toc355514445 \h 15Appendix B. Survey PAGEREF _Toc355514446 \h 16Adaptation: The Way of Life for Military FamiliesIntroductionLife changing events such as marriage and death can bring stress into a family. Another stressor that is easily overlooked is moving. Without a doubt, moving is difficult for every member of the family, no matter the age or species (human and animal). Moving from one city to another is hard enough, but moving to the other half of the world is even harder especially when you really don’t have a choice. This is just one of many challenges that military members and their family face. When moving overseas, one would assume that specific information and instructions would be provided regarding the move for an easier transition. However, military members and their family are finding that although this may seem logical, it is not always the case and it makes it difficult for them to adapt to their new duty station.Literature ReviewIt is common knowledge that when a major change occurs such as moving it can cause a strain for any family. There is minimal research regarding the impact of moving for military families, but the Department of Defense does “recognize that moving day, and the days leading up to the move, can be the most disruptive period in the life of a military family” (Martin & McClure, 2000). The Naval Health Research Center reported that when a “typical military family arrives at the overseas duty station they may find themselves quite disoriented, especially when their expectations were based on the limited and possibly outdated information they received prior to departure” (Nice & Beck, 1978). This study confirms the presumption that the military does, indeed, provide limited information to military families moving overseas.Studies also show that if families are not able to adapt after moving “then the service member is unlikely to perform responsively to his or her job requirements, may experience low job morale, and will probably separate from the service at the next opportunity (Bowen & Orthner, 1990). This finding is alarming to say the least and can be prevented for current and future military families. Although there are few studies published (outside the Department of Defense) concerning military moves and their adaptation to their new duty station, what information that has been provided will be used in an effort to better understand how to help families transition easier. This study will add to this small body of current knowledge.Purpose and Research QuestionsHaving experienced this type of move first hand, I feel that it is necessary to look into this issue to identify any training gaps. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to determine what information should be provided to active duty members and their dependents to help them better adjust to their new duty station, specifically overseas duty. This stems directly from the current lack of information (published or given to military members when they move). In this study the following questions will be reviewed and addressed:1) In addition to the standard information provided by the military, what other information should be provided to make for an easier transition?2) Who should be responsible for making sure that the military member and their dependent(s) have all the information needed the gaining command or the member’s current command? 3) How should information be disseminated?MethodsAs discussed earlier, the reason for this study is to identify and address the issues military families encounter when moving overseas. When these issues are identified then they can be used to improve current information that is being provided families which will help them adjust to their new duty station. MethodologyThe method used for this research was qualitative. A research problem has been identified, the purpose statement given, and research questions were derived from the research problem. A survey with open ended questions was created to allow participants to fully express their thoughts and opinions. Data collection, analysis of data, and evaluation to follow. (Creswell, 2012) SampleCivilians and active duty personnel who are attached to Commander Fleet Activities Yokosuka (CFAY), Japan were given surveys. Participants were chosen based on their affiliation with CFAY. They were part of the local church community or work center. Permission was asked and given by the work centers’ supervisor. No additional permission (other than from the participant themselves) was needed for participants that were a part of the church community. Approximately 20 people were asked to take the survey. Each participant was asked in person if they would be willing to participate in the study, out of those asked 15 said that they would be willing to take the survey. Participants were chosen based on two criteria: 1) their work location (to help determine what type of information each employer provides to their new employees) and 2) their status: active duty or civilian.Description of SurveyThe type of survey created and used consisted of two choice and multiple choice questions. (Gupta, Sleezer, & Russ-Eft, 2007) The reason for this type of survey is to have a better understanding of 1) participants background; 2) information participates received prior to their move to Japan; and 3) information participates would like to have known prior to moving to Japan. Data Collection ProceduresThe survey was distributed to applicants on, March 15, 2013 by hand and email; 10 participants elected to have the survey emailed to them and five participants opted to receive their survey by hand. The survey was estimated to take approximately 10-15 minutes to complete. Upon completion, applicants were asked to return the surveys by March 22, 2013. They were given two options on how to return the survey, either by email or they could call the researcher to pick up the survey; 10 surveys were returned via email and two were picked up by the researcher. There are two appendices for administering and conducting the survey. Appendix A is the cover letter containing the instructions for the participants and Appendix B is the actual survey.FindingsDescription of DataThe survey was used identify each participant’s affiliation to CFAY (military, civilian, or dependent) and to determine if participants had experience with an overseas move prior to moving to Japan. Several questions were asked seeking details from participants regarding their experience with their move to Japan, what information they felt should have been provided to them before and after their move. Participants were also asked to rate how well they adjusted to Japan their first six months. Although 15 people confirmed they were willing to take the survey, only 12 were returned. Of the 12 surveys that were returned, five were completed by active duty personnel and seven were completed by civilians. From the survey the following data was collected:8 participants stated that this was their first overseas move10 participants stated that this was their first time moving to JapanAll participants were given a command sponsor, but only 6 said that their sponsor was helpfulAll participants attended the area orientation brief (AOB), 10 found the brief to be helpfulParticipants were also asked to explain what information they felt should have been provided to them before and after their move to Japan. All but two participants expressed the need for more information that would have helped their move and adaption easier. Three major concerns were identified: 1) employment for spouse; 2) housing; and 3) process of bring pets over.Employment for SpousesSeveral participants addressed employment issues for themselves or their spouse. Participants felt that they were not fully prepared for this. They did not realize how hard it would be for them or their spouse to find employment. One participated expressed her frustration as follows: The job situation; how hard it is for spouses to find employment. Those that would like to continue with their career from the states it’s nearly impossible to do here in Japan. Many of the jobs on base are also given to Japanese nationals leaving fewer job opportunities for spouses and many people competing for these opportunities.HousingAnother piece of information that participants expressed they would have liked to know before and after their move was the housing situation. Many were not fully aware of the procedure for obtaining base housing. One of the participants was single mother who was a civilian stateside hire. She learned after her arrival that she did not qualify for base housing because she was not married, her only option was to find off base housing. Participants felt that they were forced to make an immediate decision on whether they would live on base or find housing off base. PetsAlong with employment and housing issues, participants identified issues with bringing their pets with them to Japan. The process and rules were not made clear for those wishing to bring their pets. One participant stated:Precious little information was available on the amount of vaccinations and paperwork involved in bringing over pets. We were not told about the mandatory quarantine for 6 months. And because the Navy Lodge doesn't allow pets, we had to put them in the kennel for the several days paying out of pocket for it. Luckily we had a friend who was able to take care of them shortly thereafter, saving us potentially hundreds of dollars. Not all families with pets will be that fortunate to have someone watch them.DiscussionThe results from the survey were anticipated, but disconcerting given the fact that there are a procedures and resources that are in place to help military members and their families with an overseas move as well as adapting to the new duty station. When a military member receives orders to their new duty station there are instructions and information provided within the orders. Some of the information provided pertains to housing, education (for children), and travel details. Upon arrival to their new duty station the military member and their spouse are sent to an Intercultural Relations /Area Orientation Briefing (ICR/AOB). During this brief “representatives from around the base will talk about policies, procedures and benefits associated with living in Japan; and local experts will discuss cultural issues and adjusting to your new home” (CNIC, 2013). However, as identified from the survey, not everyone finds the ICR/AOB to be helpful. It is clear, after reviewing the results from the survey, that the current procedures and resources that are in place are not providing adequate information to military members and their families. One of the issues identified was employment for spouses; participants expressed their frustration about lack of information provided to spouses regarding available employment and also expressed difficulties in obtaining employment. A study completed by the U.S. Army validates participants concern regarding employment. In the study the Army stated that “developing a career is fraught with difficulties for military wives, who often have difficulty in obtaining suitable employment. They are at a decided disadvantage in securing meaningful employment.” (Hunter & Sheldon, 1981) Some spouses are content with staying home, but for others they would like to be employed. Having to relocate to a foreign country is a disadvantage for spouses seeking employment. Job opportunities are limited and it is very hard for a spouse to have a career due to constantly having to move.Another issue identified addressed the housing situation on base. According the Commander Navy Installation Command (CNIC), there is a navy housing program in place that “is focused on ensuring that our customers, military service members, both unaccompanied and those with families, receive suitable, affordable and safe housing wherever they live around the world” (CNIC, 2013). This contradicts what participants experienced when they were making housing arrangements. Participants were upset that vital information was not given to them prior to their move to Japan such as the wait time for housing on base. They felt that they were forced to make an immediate decision on where they would live soon after they arrived.Participants that have pets were also disappointed with the information and assistance they received about bringing their pet(s) over. These participants stated that they consider their pets to be a part of their family and understandably so wanted to bring their pets with them to Japan. Any information that could have been provided regarding the shipment of their pet(s) would have been helpful to them. Many participants were not aware of the rules and regulations they were required to follow to have their pet(s) with them in Japan until after they arrived. This caused significant stress as well as unexpected expenses.The results of the survey also identified a need for an assessment of current procedures and programs in place. The assessment will recognize any training gaps and can be used to help develop a program or guide that anyone who is relocating to Japan can use to help them with their move. During the assessment and development phase the following questions will be answered:1) In addition to the standard information provided by the military, what other information should be provided to make for an easier transition?2) Who should be responsible for making sure that the military member and their dependent(s) have all the information needed the gaining command or the member’s current command? 3) How should information be disseminated?The best way to answer these questions would be to follow up with military members and their families three to six months after they have arrived to Japan. This will allow military members and their families to provide constructive feedback which will address question number one. Question number two and three can be answered by those responsible for following up with military members and their families. This would be a team effort, the military member’s losing command (previous duty station) should coordinate with the gaining command (current/new duty station) to make sure military members and their families have all the information they need. Each command should be responsible for disseminating information and deciding what information is provided and by whom.There were limitations conducting this study. A small number of studies were available regarding military moves and their adaptation to their new duty station. The majority of the research conducted was completed the by Department of Defense (DOD) which could be deemed as bias. For a more objective study independent sources with no relations to the DOD should have the opportunity to conduct and publish research as well.ConclusionThis study confirms that there is still a need for more research about military moves and adaptation. This will provide assurance to military members and their families that they are receiving proper instructions and the tools necessary to help them adapt to an overseas move. The issues that participants identified: obtaining housing, shipment of pets, and employment for spouses, can easily be addressed and in some cases fixed by assessing current programs, identifying training gaps, and implementing any changes necessary. There is a great deal of information that needs to be provided, dissemination of information can be split up so that the responsibility can be shared between both the losing and gaining command. The moving process is stressful enough, not receiving useful information adds on the stress of moving. Taking a more proactive approach to making sure these issues identified are addressed and fixed will assist with future moves for military members and their family. This will also allow for an easier transition and help with adjustment. Military members and their families sacrifice a lot for the country; providing them with beneficial support should not be an issue. ReferencesGupta, K., Sleezer, C. M., & Russ, D. F. (2007). A practical guide to needs assessment. San Francisco, CA: Jossey-Bass/Pfeiffer. Hunter, E. J., & Sheldon, R. (1981). Military families on the move. The Defense Technical Information Center. Retrieved from Martin, J. A., & McClure, P. (2000). Today's active duty military family: The evolving challenges of military family life. In The military family: A practice guide for human service providers. Westport, CT: Praeger. Nice, D. S., & Beck, A. L. (1978). Cross cultural adjustment of military families overseas. The Defense Technical Information Center. Retrieved from Orthner, D. K., & Bowen, G. L. (1990). Family adaptation in the military. The Defense Technical Information Center. Retrieved from AppendicesAppendix A. Cover Letter09 March 2013Dear Participants, I am a graduate student seeking my master degree at Colorado State University’s Adult Education Training program. I am working on a research project for my EDRM 600, Introduction to Research Methods course.The purpose of the enclosed survey is to determine what information should be provided to active duty members and their dependents to help them better adjust to their new duty station, specifically overseas duty. I am aware that most members are given command sponsors and are sent to the area orientation brief. However, I’m also aware that not everyone receives a command sponsor and if they do, some sponsors are not very helpful. I also know that not everyone attends the area orientation brief and for those that do, some people feel that the brief lacks important information.You are being selected to participate in this study because you are attached to Commander Fleet Activities, Yokosuka (CFAY). The survey will take approximately 10-15 minutes to complete. All of your responses will be kept confidential within reasonable limits. Only people directly involved with this research will have access to the surveys, that includes me, my professor, and class peers (for reviewing purpose only). Completion and return of this survey indicates voluntary consent to participate in this study. Please return all completed questionnaires to me upon completion. You can email it to me at rachna.payne@ or call me at 080-4462-1438 and I can pick it up from you.If you have any questions about this study please let me know and I will be glad to answer them. Thank you for taking the time to complete this survey.V/r,Rachna Payne Appendix B. SurveyName:Date:Affiliation to CFAY (select one): Military Dependent Civilian (stateside or local hire)Date Arrived to Japan:Is this your first overseas move?Is this your first time in Japan?Were you given a command sponsor prior to your move?If yes, was your sponsor helpful? To what extent?Did you attend the area orientation brief?If yes, did the brief provide you with everything you needed to know to adjust to Japan?On a scale of 1-10 (1 being not very well and 10 being very well) how well did you adjust to Japan in your first 6 months? 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 What information do you feel should have been provided to you prior to your move?What information do you feel should have been provided to you after your move? ................
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