This monograph seeks to understand the link between personality and risk propensity in military operations. The research aims to help leaders determine individual personalities that are risk accepting and their impact on planning. The Five-Factor Model (FFM) examines personality through the characteristics of openness to experience, conscientiousness, agreeableness, extraversion, and neuroticism. These core traits allow for the comparison between groups of individuals in studies to determine patterns of personality. Military leaders have continually accepted risk in mission and to forces at the operational and strategic levels. Risk propensity varies amongst individuals by personality and can affect the amount of risk accepted within operational planning. A closer look into General Douglas MacArthur's personality will seek to understand his personality type concerning his willingness to undertake risks. Using a historical investigation into his activities during the planning of Operation Chromite, this monograph will illustrate the link between personality to risk. By examining personality's relation to risk, the Army might better utilize these individuals at the operational or strategic level when needed.

Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited. The opinions and conclusions expressed herein are those of the student-authors and do not necessarily represent the views of the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College or any other governmental agency. (References to these studies should include the foregoing statement.)