Assessing the Utility of Noncognitive Aptitudes as Additional Predictors of Graduation from U.S. Air Force Pararescue Training

Abstract : The present study investigated the utility and incremental validity of noncognitive testing (Bar-Ons Emotional Quotient Inventory),as well as cognitive aptitude testing (Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery) prior to training for evaluating the suitability oftraining candidates for the U.S. Air Force pararescuemen career field. A total of 1233 Air Force pararescue training candidatesparticipated in the study. Results of Cox regression survival analyses reveal noncognitive aptitude areas of functioning prior totraining as key to performance and that significantly increase the capability to assess the suitability of training candidates for this highrisk,high-demand career field, as well as predict pass versus fail training outcomes beyond measures of cognitive aptitude.