Prior Service Soldiers in the Special Forces Assessment and Selection Program: Recruitment Issues
Abstract
The U.S. Army John F. Kennedy Special Warfare Center and School (USAJFKSWCS) requested assistance from the U.S. Army Research Institute for the Behavioral and Social Sciences (ARI) to examine the performance of Prior Service candidates in the Special Forces Assessment and Selection (SFAS) program. The purpose of the research was to inform decisions about the future recruitment of Prior Service soldiers for SFAS. In particular, USAJFKSWCS was interested in the likely impact of three proposed eligibility restrictions on the market of available candidates and on select rates in SFAS. Researchers analyzed data from enlisted candidates who participated in SFAS classes between January 1991 and March 1992. The findings showed that Prior Service candidates generally performed as well as Active Duty and National Guard/Reserve in SFAS, but had a higher rate of prerequisite swim failures. The data supported a proposed restriction on Prior Service soldiers with no combat arms experience, but other proposed restrictions concerning former branch of service and length of separation from Active Duty were not supported by performance data, Special forces, 18x Program, Prior service program, Recruiting Application of all of the proposed restrictions would have eliminated about two thirds of all Prior Service candidates in the sample. These findings and other considerations, such as Special Forces manpower requirements and Prior Service program administrative costs, will help Army leaders make informed decisions about the future of the program as a recruitment tool -for Special Forces.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Oct 01, 1993
- Accession Number
- ADA273111
Entities
People
- Elizabeth J. Brady
- Judith E. Brooks
Organizations
- U.S. Army Research Institute for the Behavioral and Social Sciences