INSTRUCTOR PRESERVICE TRAINING IN U.S. AIR FORCE’S SPECIAL WARFARE TRAINING WING: A NEEDS ASSESSMENT

Abstract

This needs assessment identified the competencies, subcompetencies, and tasks to include in the preservice instructor course of the U.S. Air Force’s Special Warfare Training Wing. An extensive literature review was conducted to generate a competency list for the Special Warfare instructional situation. Using the Borich needs assessment model, this study solicited the perceptions of current instructors about which job competencies to include in the course. Via an online survey, respondents rated the importance of and their preparedness to execute 149 competency-based tasks. Each side of the survey used a Likert-type scale. A mean weighted discrepancy score (MWDS) was calculated for each task as a measure of training need. Responses to open-ended survey items provided context for MWDS scores. A steering committee served to triangulate survey findings, refine the competency list, determine if the task would be taught in the preservice instructor course, and assign levels of learning for each competency using the USAF Proficiency Code Key. While the MWDS identified areas of highest training needs and potential prioritization, a high MWDS did not mean the task belonged in the preservice instructor course if the task was suited to experienced instructors. Overall, 135 tasks were recommended for inclusion in the preservice course, all of which will require additional on-the-job training for student instructors to be autonomous. Recommendations were made for extending the use of MWDS during task analysis.