The Office of Strategic Services Psychological Selection Program.
Abstract
This study investigates the development and effectiveness of the Office of Strategic Services (OSS) psychological selection program. The OSS was created in response to the Second World War to collect intelligence, and to conduct espionage, subversion, and psychological warfare. To better perform these functions, they developed the first psychological assessment center in the United States. This study evaluates this assessment program. First, the history and development of Army selection from World War I through World War II is examined and evaluated. Second, the German and British programs are described, and their influence on the OSS program is discussed. Third, the specific program designed by Henry Murray, the chief psychologist for the OSS, is reviewed in detail. Fourth, the effectiveness of the program is examined. This study concludes that the program was at least moderately successful, and functioned as a model for future assessment programs. Further, this study concludes that, for similar settings, psychological assessment can improve the quality of assigned personnel, will likely reduce training attrition, and can reduce Combat Stress casualties. Specific recommendations on the conduct of psychological assessment are discussed.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 02, 1995
- Accession Number
- ADA299376
Entities
People
- Louie M. Banks
Organizations
- United States Army Command and General Staff College