An Evaluation of Organizational and Experience Factors Affecting the Perceived Transfer of U.S. Air Force Basic Combat Skills Training

The United States Air Force is in a state of transformation. Due to ongoing operations in Iraq and Afghanistan, the focus of Basic Military Training is shifting to basic combat skills, or the skills needed to survive and operate in a hostile environment. In this study, basic combat skills training was evaluated using a number of training factors that potentially affect trainees' perception of training transfer, or their ability to apply the skills they learned in training on the job or in a hostile environment. The analysis used structural equation modeling to evaluate the paths between each of the factors and perceived training transfer. Of the factors analyzed, transfer enhancing activities and perceived utility were found to positively influence perceived training transfer for all training types, while organizational support for training was positive for Law of Armed Conflict training only. Deployment experience was positive for weapons training, but negative for Self-Aid and Buddy Care. Realistic job preview was positively related to training transfer, but was only significant with respect to Self-Aid and Buddy Care training. The results of this research may help enhance basic combat skills training and do so at little or no cost.