Reserve Identities: What Are They? And Do They Matter? An Empirical Examination

Abstract

Identities of reservists, primarily those of the U.S. military, are examined in the context of identity theory. In the current study, previously acknowledged identities of reservists are reliably measured and are shown to have construct validity. Scales were constructed from items on a previous survey of National Guard members (N = 1,256). Survey data were then used to establish scale reliability, both exploratory factor analysis and internal reliability. Scales had construct validity: Scale scores supported hypotheses derived from identity theory concerning relationships among identities, attitudes, and behavioral intentions. The importance of reserve identities to recruitment, retention, and readiness, including adaptability to deployment stressors is discussed. Identities also have implications for the broader issue of civilian−military relations.