Manpower/Personnel/Training Technology

The Manpower/Personnel/Training Technology program, part of the Army's Research, Development, Test & Evaluation efforts, is dedicated to enhancing the Soldier Lifecycle through applied behavioral and social science research. This initiative aims to improve selection, assignment, training, and leader development processes while fostering unit cohesion. By developing new personnel measures and methods, the program seeks to better assess potential and predict performance, behavior, attitudes, and resilience among soldiers. These advancements are intended to provide innovative Talent Management methods that optimize individual and team performance in complex environments.

The program's objectives include creating new performance measures and metrics for both individuals and units. It also aims to design innovative training methods and conduct scientific assessments that inform Human Capital policy and programs. The research conducted under this program is expected to yield effective non-materiel solutions that help the Army adapt to changes in force size and structure, diverse mission demands, human relations challenges, and economic constraints. The work aligns with key strategic priorities such as the Army Vision, Talent Management Strategy, and Modernization Strategy.

Research efforts are carried out by the Army Research Institute for the Behavioral and Social Sciences located at Fort Belvoir, Virginia. The program complements other initiatives like Manpower, Personnel and Training Advanced Technology by focusing on applied research that supports broader defense objectives. The ongoing research is consistent with priorities set by the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering.

In terms of specific accomplishments and future plans, the program is engaged in developing innovative approaches to personnel assessment. This includes improving prediction models for outcomes like attrition and retention as well as enhancing leader assessment methods across the Soldier lifecycle. Future plans involve designing proof-of-concept measures for enlisted personnel assignment, developing predictive models of career progression, creating job analysis content methods, and establishing competency assessments for junior officers and senior NCOs. Additionally, efforts will focus on analyzing team-based personnel assignment frameworks to optimize small unit performance.