Author: William H. Helme

Publisher:

Published: 1964

Total Pages: 38

ISBN-13:

In response to the Army's need to attain optimal use of manpower skills and aptitudes, the New Classification Techniques Task is engaged in a continuing series of studies to develop increasingly accurate and differentiated measures of individual potential. One objective of the Task is to determine the extent to which men of low or low average general ability can be successfully trained in Army school courses. Studies to evaluate Army classification tests as predictors of success in MOS training included enlisted men admitted from 1953-1957 whose AFQT scores were below current enlistment standards. From available data on 48 courses, estimates were made of the expected success in training of enlisted men in AFQT category IV (10th to 30th percentile) and in lower category III (31st to 49th percentile). Substantial numbers of AFQT category IV enlisted men could successfully complete MOS training courses of moderate or low difficulty level. However, supplementary aptitude area prerequisites are essential to assure selection of men who have sufficient probability of success in a given course to keep attrition at permissible levels--usually under 10 percent. For the more difficult courses, failure rates of category IV men were estimated as generally exceeding acceptable levels, even in courses for which the men had attained the requisite 90 or 100 aptitude area scores.