The present study investigated predictive validities of cognitive ability (Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery) and noncognitive functioning (NEO Personality Inventory – 3rd Edition) for differentiating those who successfully complete versus fail U.S. Air Force pararescue training. The Air Force pararescue candidates enroll in a high-risk, high-demand training program. Due to the physically and psychologically demanding and unique stressors that candidates must adapt to, there is a significant amount of early attrition (86-90%). Although there are multiple potential causes for this attrition, a salient issue for consideration is the aspects of emotional, social, and behavioral functioning (i.e., personality traits) that may have an impact on training outcomes. The purpose of this study was to identify pre-training areas of psychological functioning affecting one’s ability to adapt to the demands of training and the individual’s readiness for such training. Cox proportional hazards survival analysis procedure was performed to identify psychological test scores predictive of outcomes, employing day of training elimination as a time to failure variable. Variables were identified specific to success in training. The results of analyses demonstrate the incremental validity and utility of personality-based testing in addition to measures of general cognitive aptitude. Results have direct implications for improving selection and aeromedical screening procedures for training candidates seeking entry into this special operations career field.
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