Lack of ability is not always the problem

Managers request validation studies and stringent standards to stem trainin g attrition. These studies while legally mandated and important are not nec essarily the solution. The current study was motivated by such a request. T he validity of four composites from an aptitude battery for predicting trai ning success for weapons directors was evaluated. Participants were 353 Air Force personnel who completed training and duty in a previous job. All fou r composites, Mechanical, Administrative, General, and Electronics were val id. General was most valid. We observed only three academic failures among 32 failed participants. The General composite scores for the successful and non-academic failures were very similar. It was speculated that low motiva tion and job design features were contributing factors for most eliminees.