This report presents findings from the first six Gilbert Youth surveys, conducted biannually since May of 1971. The concept of a continuing, national survey of civilian male youth was developed in 1971 as part of a systematic effort by the Department of Defense to study the enlistment motivation and attitudes toward military service held by American youth. It was anticipated that the results of such a project would provide valuable information to those concerned with forecasting accession levels, designing recruiting strategies, and structuring the all-volunteer force. The data reported here represent a considerable contribution toward the establishment of the necessary data base. The samples used in this research are independent probability samples representative of male civilian youth aged 16-21 years. The samples are representative with respect to age, geographical region, and educational status. In total, the survey sample is representative of slightly more than 10.1 million. Data were collected in personal interviews by peer interviewers working under professional supervision. To fully utilize the representativeness of the samples employed, all percentages contained in the tables of this report make use of appropriately weighted data (unless otherwise indicated). These figures therefore are technically "projected" percentages rather than "observed" percentages. Estimates of the statistical reliability for the major sample breakdowns are given in Appendix A. Topics discussed in the chapters include: enlistment intent, incentives and deterrents to enlistment, knowledge about military service, service images, and recruiting. (RC)