Abstract
This Dissertation in Practice is a qualitative study of junior military members’ morale andits effect on work satisfaction, work effectiveness, resiliency, and the potential to offset the
stress of serving in the United States military. The research question answered in this study
was: How do junior military members experience morale in the work environment? This
phenomenological study gathered data from junior members of the United States Air Force
(USAF) employed between 2- to 7-years using a semi-structured open-ended question
protocol. Study participants were asked how they experienced morale, and the perceived
effects on their work satisfaction, work effectiveness, and resiliency. The key finding was
that leadership is the cornerstone of morale and that it affects multiple areas of a junior
enlisted member’s work and family life. The proposed solution is for the U.S. Air Force to
implement additional training and education on morale and its vital importance across the
force. A recommended path for implementing the proposed solution is provided along with
suggestions for future research.