Development of Performance Measures of Individual Proficiency in Special Forces

Abstract

The purpose of this project was to develop a criterion measure for the Special Forces selection research program. During peacetime, field exercises and maneuvers are the closest available approximations to combat operations and thus receive extensive emphasis in evaluations of the performance of Special Forces trainees. This emphasis on high quality performance as essential for success in Special Forces operations led to the decision that the principal criterion measure for the validation studies should be a comprehensive performance assessment situation. Since measures of team performance are currently utilized in Special Forces training and the scores would be available for research purposes, the present criterion development effort concentrated on individual performance assessment. The first step in the research project was for research personnel to become familiar with the Special Forces mission and Special Forces training course. A systematic analysis was made of all aspects of the training course to identify tentatively the important--as well as measurable--elements, and to estimate the cost and practicability of an adequate criterion measure for Special Forces training success.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Jun 01, 1961
Accession Number
ADA079206

Entities

People

  • Kenneth G. Cook
  • Martin A. Mendelson
  • Rudolph G. Berkhouse

Organizations

  • Adjutant General's Corps

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Human Systems

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Automatic Rifles
  • Bridges
  • Combat Operations
  • Demolition
  • First Aid
  • Land Navigation
  • Navigation
  • North Carolina
  • Performance Tests
  • River Crossings
  • Special Forces
  • Test And Evaluation
  • Trainees
  • Training
  • Validation
  • Warfare

Fields of Study

  • Education

Readers

  • Irregular Warfare and Special Operations Cyberspace Operations against Adversarial Threats.
  • Psychometric Testing or Psychological Assessment.
  • Systems Analysis and Design