One more factor to weigh in which 16%, new inlistment vs retention, is better. The 16% increase in new recruits also equals the same increase in basic and advanced training and the same increase in first timers in the field. The 16% increase in retention equals 16% more experianced soldiers, already trained and with experience in the current theatre of operations. These are people who have likely already made their stupid mistakes, we all make them, and survived them to learn better. IMO these experianced soldiers are the more valuable group; not to mention those less likely to be injured in the field.