Predictive Validity of UAS/RPA Sensor Operator Training Qualification Measures

U.S. Air Force sensor operators (SOs) are enlisted aviators who work side-by-side with unmanned aerial systems/remotely piloted aircraft (UAS/RPA) pilots, providing assistance with all aspects of aircraft employment and sensor management. SO training qualification includes medical, citizenship, and security standards and aptitude requirements. The current study examined the validity of the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) for predicting grades of students in three SO courses. The ASVAB composites used for SO training qualification (General and Electronics) demonstrated good predictive validity for all three courses (corrected for range restriction and criterion unreliability): Basic Sensor Operator Course, n = 461, r = .541 and .535; MQ-1 Initial Qualification/Requalification Training, n = 430, r = .583 and .553; MQ-9 Initial Qualification/Requalification Training, n = 249, r = .357 and .334). Although current selection methods are effective, based on results of UAS/RPA job/task analyses, the Air Force is examining the utility of other measures to supplement the ASVAB.