Multiple Aptitude Normative Intelligence Testing that Distinguishes U.S. Air Force MQ-1 Predator Sensor Operators from Peers in the Civilian General Population and AC-130 Gunship Sensor Operators

摘要

U.S. Air Force (USAF) MQ-1 Predator and MQ-9 Reaper sensor operators (SOs) have a critical role in intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance (ISR); basic surface attack; and close air support (CAS) operations. The duties of the Predator/Reaper SOs are perceived by subject matter experts as having high levels of intelligence and visual-spatial aptitudes to successfully pass training and adapt to operational challenges. To date, there are no studies that assess the cognitive functioning of such a high-demand and critical enlisted career field, despite its important role in current USAF aviation. To fill the gap in the current literature, this study obtained intelligence testing on USAF Predator/Reaper SOs (n=51) and AC-130 gunship SOs (n=62) in an effort to (a) obtain normative intelligence data on incumbents to assess how such a specialized group of enlisted aircrew differs from the civilian, nonaircrew general population; (b) assess how the cognitive aptitudes (i.e., visual learning/memory, spatial analysis, visual attention to detail, and visual-constructive abilities) of incumbents specifically differ from SOs with ISR and CAS duties within a manned aircraft (i.e., AC- 130); and (c) develop a distribution of intelligence tests scores for Predator/Reaper SO incumbents for use in aeromedical evaluations. The results of the study revealed that Predator/Reaper SOs have a significantly higher level of cognitive functioning in areas of visual construction and perceptual reasoning, visual attention to detail, spatial reasoning, visual learning and coding, as well as general conceptual reasoning. There were no significant differences in aptitude test scores between Predator/Reaper and AC-130 gunship SOs, indicating both groups share similar cognitive strengths.