The Army needs the best personnel available to meet the emerging demands of the 21st Century. Accordingly, the U.S. Army Research Institute for the Behavioral and Social Sciences (ARI) is conducting research to support implementing non-cognitive predictor measures (e.g., interests, values, temperament) to enhance entry-level Soldier selection and classification decisions. Based on this research, Army leadership has approved an operational test and evaluation (IOT&E) of the Tailored Adaptive Personality Assessment System (TAPAS) to supplement the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) in evaluating applicaants for selection into the Army. This report provides background to the TOPS IOT&E and discusses how this initiative represents a significant improvement in the way the Army accesses new Soldiers.

"March 2011"--T.p. "Army project number 622785A790"--p. 17.

Foreword / Michelle Sams -- The whole person assessment approach -- Building the toolset: the tailored adaptive personality assessment system (TAPAS) -- Does TAPAS work? The validation and the evidence -- How TAPAS enables the personnel system: supporting flexibility, adaptability and agility -- Primary military recruiting market -- Other applications -- Summary: the way ahead.