Developing an Initial Skill Training Database

This Note suggests training and performance data that the Training and Performance Data Center (TPDC) should collect in an ideal training database. It presents recommendations and guidelines on the kind of data that should be collected on initial skill training, discusses possible applications of the data, and offers advice on constructing an effective database. The authors suggest that the TPDC should collect at least five categories of data relating to five types of policy functions: (1) selection of individuals into military occupations, (2) individual performance of recruits in initial skill training, (3) performance of personnel during duty assignment, (4) productivity on the job, and (5) relationship of individual performance to unit performance. The authors also recommend that a TPDC database on initial skill training should contain a series of files that can be linked in different combinations suitable for different kinds of research and analysis. In addition to existing file identifiers, the authors recommend creating a unique identifier for each time an initial skill training course is taught.