The Marine Corps is considering non-cognitive testing to identify the best officers. Can this testing achieve its intended result?

Sir,
I read the article earlier today, and the impression I got was an attempt to refine selection criteria more than anything. The current standard seems to be "academic performance" however the "drop rate" at entrance level is still fairly high (I want to say about 1/3).

The implication is that academic performance may not be indicative of strong leadership potential, whereas another metric may be better suited. This in turn could theoretically reduce overall training costs, and produce a stronger officer corps as well as find out the specific tests which are good indicators.

Per your survey options, I voted other, because I think all the options are correct to a degree. I think the current system is Objective, and works well, but we should always refine our processes. That's what makes us Marines, we're never satisfied with a "Not broke" answer. That takes us into the realm of protecting the system from Subjectivity (option 2), which is a definite concern, and how do we measure character (especially when the USMC prides itself on building it).

This is an interesting idea, worth exploring to an extent. How deeply I don't know, but I always like the concept of challenging "how things are currently done."

Edit: syntax

If this is the type of definition (below) we are using I would say proceed with caution.

Non-cognitive skills are any skills that are not cognitive, such as memory, attention, planning, language and thinking skills. Non-cognitive skills include emotional maturity, empathy, interpersonal skills and verbal and non-verbal communication. Non-cognitive skills influence the overall behavior of a person. For example, a nurse who is able to to easily comfort patients has non-cognitive skills.

The wash out rate is high because the schools are hard. I don't have any issue in looking at ways to better identify people that might do well through the school as they exist. If there comes a plan to make the schools easier, less stressful mentally and physically then I would not be good with it.

I would say proceed with caution. This sounds like some more mushy headed, feel goodism way to make us all feel better about things. It is hard to measure these skills but they are not bad skills to have. Some come with maturity and experience in life too. I would say my non-cognitive skills are far better now than they were at 20 years old.

I worked at OCS in 1982 (PLC Junior at Camp Upsher mostly) helping to train office candidates. It is an eye opener for many college students. I was only an H&S guy, demonstrated the courses for candidates, radio operator for exercises, humps etc. It is a tough course, many wash out.

Capt Jeff S.. As usual the wrong question is being asked . . . in essence how can we refine our testing to ensure selected candidates can pass OCS . . . when the real question is far more complex. The real question is what mix of the many staff and line officer disciplines will be important to maintaining force readiness during relative peace time . . . and how can we best prepare that relative peace time mix of leadership candidates to survive and excel in future conflicts. The question is not how to improve the academic pipeline . . . the question is really in essence how do we go about defining the kind of leaders we want these cadets to become over the course of their military career . . . during alternate cycles of relative peace time and conflict. Warmest Regards, Sandy

p.s. From my perspective, we spend way to much time ensuring our own and allied officer corps establish massive unwieldy bureaucratic procedural systems . . . and we select officers who buy into these massive institutionalized bureaucracies for the sake of self preservation, covering their asses, and failing to act in the best manner to do the right thing at the most effective time. Too many officers are completely hamstrung by bureaucracy . . . for example DUSTOFF birds that used to launch on 3 minute alert now wait for medically unacceptably long periods of time waiting for authorization and clearance from higher command.

Col (Join to see) LTC (Join to see) Col (Join to see) Lt Col Luis A. Rojas COL Vincent Stoneking CDR (Join to see) LTC (Join to see) COL (Join to see) LTC (Join to see) LTC John Adams LtCol (Join to see) COL (Join to see) LTC Tim Nehls LTC (Join to see) LTC (Join to see) LTC (Join to see) Lt Col (Join to see) LtCol (Join to see) LtCol (Join to see)