Warfighters of Today

Theory and research established a schema for a successful fighter pilot, which includes advanced cognitive ability, unwavering emotional stability, and the will and motivation to achieve a goal or mission (Picano et al, 2006). Due to the high-risk nature of the job, an individual must have the "right stuff" to succeed as a USAF fighter pilot. In response to these requirements, USAF standards for aircrew were raised. Psychological data on student pilot applicants is obtained prior to entrance into pilot training. Psychologists evaluating pilots must be aware and have an understanding of how the psychological disposition of pilots differs from the general population and utilize appropriate normative data to base their interpretation and conclusions. Previous research used USAF student pilots, was completed over 10 years ago, and utilized a variety of measurements, some of which are not frequently utilized in aeromedical evaluation. Method: The current study compared USAF fighter pilot MAB-II data and NEO-PI-R data to the normative samples of the instruments, respectively. An additional ipsative analysis on the subtests of the MAB-II was completed. Results: USAF fighter pilots scored in the Superior range for VIQ, PIQ, and FSIQ according to the results of the MAB-II. The ipsative analysis revealed significant relative strengths in Information and Digit Symbol and a relative weakness in Picture Arrangement. The NEO-PI-R results revealed statistically higher scores on Extraversion (High range), and lower scores on Neuroticism (Average range) and Agreeableness (Low range) as compared to the normative sample. This study fills a void in the literature on rated USAF fighter pilots, updates the current literature base with a more recent sample, and utilizes measures commonly administered by civilian and military psychologists in aeromedical evaluations of USAF fighter pilots. Results from this study are reviewed in the context of a case example providing application of the data presented.