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Personality Assessments in the Military: A Look Back at World Wars I and II

Updated: Apr 14, 2023




During World War I and World War II, personality assessments were used as a tool to identify soldiers who were best suited for specific roles within the military. These assessments helped to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the military by ensuring that soldiers were assigned to roles that were a good match for their personality traits.


One of the earliest personality assessments used by the military was the Woodworth Personal Data Sheet, which was developed during World War I. This assessment included a series of questions designed to identify soldiers who were at risk of developing shell shock, a psychological condition that was common among soldiers during the war. The Woodworth Personal Data Sheet was also used to identify soldiers who were best suited for specific military roles, such as officers or non-commissioned officers.


During World War II, the military expanded its use of personality assessments. One of the most widely used assessments was the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI), which was developed in the 1930s. The MMPI included a series of true/false questions that were designed to measure a wide range of personality traits, including anxiety, depression, and paranoia. The assessment was used to screen soldiers for mental health conditions and to identify soldiers who were best suited for specific roles within the military.


Another assessment that was widely used during World War II was the Army General Classification Test (AGCT). The AGCT was designed to measure a soldier's general cognitive ability and was used to assign soldiers to specific military roles based on their intellectual capabilities.


Personality assessments played an important role in the military during World War I and World War II. By identifying soldiers who were best suited for specific roles, the military was able to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of its operations. Today, personality assessments continue to be used in a variety of settings, including the military, to help individuals and organizations make better decisions based on insights into personality traits and characteristics.

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