ABSTRACT
The Royal Marines (RM) recruit training course is considered to be one of the most arduous military training regimes in the world. This results in a high level of training wastage, despite the extensive modification to the training course in recent years. These modifications have resulted in a reduction of injury-related discharge. However wastage remains high at 46%. A previous study found attrition to be predicted by a combination of two sources of information: an individual’s performance data from tests undertaken at the Armed Forces Careers Office (AFCO) and physical performance data obtained from tests taken at the Potential Royal Marines Course (PRMC). Tests undertaken at the AFCO include the “Recruiting Tests”. These multiple choice paper and pen tests were developed to supplement information obtained from the selection interview, for career guidance. The 4 Naval Recruiting Tests (RTs) measure reasoning (RT1), numeracy (RT2) literacy (RT3) and mechanical comprehension (RT4). Pethybridge et al
(2000) found that the four main variables that were found to relate to voluntary withdrawal from training are:
a. Recruiting Test 4 (RT4) score-lower pass rate with scores of less than 15. b. Assault course time-lower pass rate with “long” completion times (exceeding 4 minutes). c. Bleep test performance-lower pass rate with “low” scores (under 11). d. Age-lower pass rates for those aged 16 and 17.
