Objective Versus Subjective Military Pilot Selection Methods in the United States of America

Abstract

In the U.S. Air Force, pilots are chosen through varying processes. Although these pilot selection methods share similarities, Air National Guard (ANG) has a more subjective selection process than active duty (AD). To compare, 1,801 ANG and 11,616 AD pilot applicants were administered a computer-based intelligence test, the Multidimensional Aptitude Battery-II , and a personality measure, the NEO Personality Inventory-Revised. Both groups shared similar personality traits characterized by emotional stability, extraversion, and high work ethic. Intelligence scores were near the superior range for ANG and AD pilots. Although chosen by diverse methods, both ANG and AD pilots shared similar cognitive and personality characteristics.

Open PDF

Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Dec 14, 2015
Accession Number
ADA626003

Entities

People

  • Charles Shurlow
  • Jared Haynes
  • Joe Wood

Organizations

  • United States Air Force School of Aerospace Medicine

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Biomedical
  • Materials and Manufacturing Processes
  • Space

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Active Duty
  • Aerospace Medicine
  • Air Force
  • Air Force Research Laboratories
  • Air National Guard
  • Brain Injuries
  • Flight Training
  • Government Procurement
  • Governments
  • Military Medicine
  • Military Pilots
  • National Guard
  • Personality
  • Pilots
  • Reserve Officer Training Corps
  • Training
  • United States

Fields of Study

  • Psychology

Readers

  • Joint Military Operations and Doctrine.
  • Psychometric Testing or Psychological Assessment.