Optimizing Officer Classification: Selection of Predictor Constructs and Measures
Abstract
To assign newly commissioned officers to branches, the U.S. Army uses a complex process that is primarily based on Cadet Order of Merit List rank, cadet branch preference, and cadet willingness to extend their active duty service obligation, as well as U.S. Army operational requirements and personnel policy. Previous analyses demonstrate that pre-commissioning and non cognitive metrics could improve the in-unit performance of officers by improving the branch assignment process. However, those previous analyses used non-cognitive metrics that were designed to predict overall officer performance as opposed to officer branch performance. To better support the branch assignment process, the U.S. Army Research Institute for the Behavioral and Social Sciences is developing and validating psychological metrics that are likely to predict branch performance. Accordingly, this project identified attributes that are likely to predict officer branch performance based on job analysis and focus group data, as well as supplemental analyses of existing data. This information was used to propose measures to include in the Cadet Assessment Battery for ongoing research to improve officer classification and branch assignment procedures. The incremental validity of the Cadet Assessment Battery to improve the officer branch assignment process will be assessed in an upcoming project.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Sep 01, 2021
- Accession Number
- AD1147775
Entities
People
- Emily S. Medvin
- Mark C. Young
- Peter J. Legree
- Robert N. Kilcullen
Organizations
- Human Resources Research Organization