Performance on Selected Candidate Screening Test Procedures Before and After Army Basic and Advanced Individual Training

Abstract : The purpose of this project was to evaluate a strength screening procedure to be used in Military Entrance Processing Stations (MEPS) for matching the strength capacity of recruits with the strength demands of Military Occupational Specialties (MOSs). Prior to the study, a task analysis was performed and all Army MOS were fit into a 5 category modified Department of Labor classification system based on lifting requirements. In order to determine the best single screening test for lifting ability, five candidate test items were performed by 1,984 Army recruits prior to Basic Training (BT). The tests, chosen for face validity, proven reliability, and historical precedence were isometric handgrip isometric 38 cm upright pull, incremental dynamic lift, skinfold determination of body composition, and a submaximal prediction of maximal oxygen uptake. At the end of Advanced Individual Training (AIT) 970 of the same subjects were re-tested on the candidate test items, and on a series of job related criterion performance tasks (CPTs). Candidate test item norms for male and female soldiers are presented for pre and post BT, and for post-AIT. The two training phases had a significant positive effect on muscle strength, aerobic fitness and body composition. The incremental dynamic lift to 152 cm was found to be the best predictor of CPT performance and was selected for implementation as the Military Entrance Physical Strength Capacity Test (MEPSCAT). Keywords: Maximal lift capacity, incremental dynamic lift, isometric handgrip, predicted VO(2) max.