Cognitive
Talent | Definition | Measurable KSB | Definition |
Attention Control | Ability to focus and control one’s attention, process multiple sources of sensory information while avoiding distractions, and identify real and potential problems. | Attentiveness | Focuses on the problem or situation and shifts attention between activities when appropriate. |
Focus | Mentally processes multiple sources of sensory information/data at the same time while avoiding distractions (e.g., flying a helicopter or commanding an armored vehicle). | ||
Problem Sensitivity | Identifies when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing there is a problem. | ||
Creativity | Ability to produce ideas, plans, approaches and solutions to problems, and outcomes that are both original and useful or effective to accomplish work or achieve goals when established methods and procedures are inapplicable or ineffective. | Cognitive Flexibility | Considers new approaches to solving problems, creates new plans and ideas, and initiates and accepts change and innovation. |
Creative Problem Solving and Innovation | svc | ||
Decision Making | Ability to choose between alternatives by applying multiple perspectives, accurately and appropriately assessing the costs/benefits, and considering short- and long-term consequences of actions and solutions. | Decision Making | Makes decisions based on accurate and appropriate assessment of the costs/benefits and short- and long-term consequences of alternative actions and solutions. Makes timely decisions with incomplete information, while refraining from making hasty decisions in the absence of necessary information. |
Mental Agility | Flexibility of mind; the ability to break habitual thought patterns. Anticipate or adapt to uncertain or changing situations; to think through outcomes when current decisions or actions are not producing desired effects. Ability to apply multiple perspectives and approaches. | ||
Sound Judgement | Capacity to assess situations shrewdly and draw sound conclusions. Tendency to form sound opinions, make sensible decisions and reliable guesses. Ability to assess strengths and weaknesses of subordinates, peers, and enemy to create appropriate solutions and action. | ||
General Cognitive Ability |
Perceives, orders, and recalls information quickly and accurately in order to achieve situational understanding and insight. | General Cognitive Aptitude | Capacity to understand and interpret information that is being presented, ability to identify and solve problems, and capability to learn new things quickly and efficiently. |
Information Ordering | Capacity to arrange things or actions in a certain order or pattern according to a specific rule or set of rules (e.g., patterns of numbers, letters, words, pictures, mathematical operations). | ||
Memory | Capacity to retain and recall information without using external tools or aids. | ||
Multi-Tasking | Rapidly processes and prioritizes multiple demands simultaneously. Takes appropriate action when multiple things compete for his or her attention. | ||
Perceptive | Effectively discerns the deeper meaning or significance of one’s observations (e.g., events, people, and communication). | ||
Processes Information and Data | Compiles, codes, categorizes, calculates, tabulates, audits, or verifies information or data. | ||
Meta-Cognition | Awareness of one’s own thinking and biases. Uses reflective thinking, prior experience, and organizes information to create knowledge for future application. | Analyzes and Organizes Information to Create Knowledge | Reflects on prior learning; organizes insights for future application. Considers source, quality or relevance, and criticality of information to improve understanding. Identifies reliable resources for acquiring knowledge. Sets up systems of procedures to store knowledge for reuse. |
Awareness of Cognitive Biases | Realizes one’s personal biases, predispositions, or inclinations in thinking when looking for solutions to problems. | ||
Reflective Thinking | Regularly and actively reflects on the connections between new information and existing knowledge. | ||
Perceptual Speed and Accuracy |
Awareness of objects, relationships, and events allowing for organization and interpretation of objects and situations quickly and accurately. | Pattern Recognition | Detects similarities or differences in objects, words, or numbers. |
Perceptual Speed And Accuracy | Perceives objects quickly and accurately. | ||
Response Orientation | Capacity to choose quickly between two or more movements in response to two or more different signals (lights, sounds, pictures). It includes the speed with which the correct response is started with the hand, foot, or other body part. | ||
Problem Solving | Ability to identify and define simple and complex problems, troubleshoot errors, generate solutions, evaluate and select a solution, and implement and monitor the selected solution to obtain a preferred outcome. | Problem Solver | Capacity to choose between best practices and unorthodox approaches to reach a solution. Accomplishes the task. |
Structured Problem Solving | Analyzes readily obtained information and evaluates results to select the best solution from a set of existing approaches to solve a problem. | ||
Troubleshooting | Determines causes of operating errors and decides what to do about it. | ||
Unstructured Problem Solving | Identifies complex problems, gathers related information, evaluates information relevance, evaluates the credibility of alternative information sources, and generates alternative solutions. | ||
Reasoning | Uses logic, critical thinking, inductive and deductive reasoning to draw conclusions based upon analysis of information, and understanding of underlying principles. | Active Learning | Understands the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making. |
Analytical Thinking | Analyzes information and applies general rules and logic to address work-related issues and problems. | ||
Analyze Data or Information | Identifies underlying principles, relationships, general rules, reasons, or facts by breaking down information or data into separate parts. | ||
Assessing And Mitigating Harm | Determines the potential for damaging outcomes and takes steps to minimize the risk of harm to self, others, or equipment (e.g., performing cost-benefits analysis; mandating training to mitigate risk, etc.). | ||
Critical Thinking | Uses logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems. | ||
Interdisciplinary Reasoning | Understands and integrates multi-faceted information from multiple professional disciplines to complete tasks and projects. | ||
Quantitative Reasoning | Uses induction or deduction in reasoning with quantitative concepts (e.g., numbers, mathematical relations). Is able to solve problems that involve mathematical concepts or numbers. | ||
Verbal Reasoning | Reasons and draws conclusions based on verbal or written materials. | ||
Situational Awareness | The perception of environmental elements and events with respect to time or space, the comprehension of their meaning, and the projection of their future status. | Situational Awareness | Perceives what is happening in the immediate environment and is rarely surprised. Rapidly understands how information, events, and actions will impact current and near-term goals and objectives. |
Spatial Ability | Knows one’s physical location in relation to the environment or knows where other objects are in relation to oneself. Also, the ability to identify and mentally manipulate the position or direction of objects or points in space. | Spatially Intelligent | Easily perceives, understands, and operates within the multi-dimensional world. |
Spatial Orientation | Knows one’s physical location in relation to the environment or knows where other objects are in relation to oneself; readily orients oneself in an unfamiliar environment; ability to read and interpret maps or diagrams; ability to form mental pictures of things (e.g., equipment, terrain). | ||
Spatial Visualization | Capacity to mentally visualize the relative positions of objects in three-dimensional space, and how they will be positioned if they are moved in different ways; imagine objects from different perspectives, and remain unconfused by different views. | ||
Systems Thinking | Considers the factors of a situation or a solution as a system of interrelated parts with inputs, processes, outputs and feedback. Operates from a view that an understanding or model can be created or used to explain—or improve upon—what occurs (as applies to situational understanding) or what could occur (as applies to problem solving). Generates a cohesive understanding of situational dynamics presenting options of advantage and long-term organizational success | Strategic Thinking | Develops a complex, systems-level understanding of the relationship between his/her Army unit or organization and the broader environment and uses that understanding to envision a desirable future state for the unit/organization. |
Systems Thinking | Conceptualizes and understands relationships and arrangements within and between relevant components and structures. |
Communication
Talent | Definition | Measurable KSB | Definition |
Active Listening | Attends to and understands both overt and implied meanings of oral communications from others by accurately perceiving the content, context, tone of the speaker, and other non-verbal cues in order to improve mutual understanding. | Active Listening | Carefully attends to and understands both the overt and implied meaning of oral communications from others by accurately perceiving the content, context, and tone of the speaker; not interrupting at inappropriate times. |
General Communication | Ability to effectively communicate through written and spoken word as well as use verbal and nonverbal communication. Encourages conversation and verifies for understanding. Shows ability to learn a different language and recognizes cultural differences in communication. | Communication Ability | Uses verbal and nonverbal means to maintain listener interest. Adjusts information sharing strategy based on operating conditions. Ensures prompt information dissemination to all levels. Avoids miscommunication through verifying a shared understanding. |
Communicator | Precise, efficient, and compelling in both written and spoken word. | ||
Encourages Discourse | Promotes discussion and recognizes the importance of considering input from diverse perspectives. | ||
Intercultural Communication | Communicates effectively with people from different cultures or nationalities. | ||
Language Learning Ability | Cognitive ability to learn new languages. | ||
Oral Communication | Speaks in a clear, organized, and logical manner. Communicates information and ideas or asks questions efficiently. Adapts communication to the situation; can be formal or informal. | Oral and Nonverbal Comprehension | Listens to and comprehends instructions and other related messages. Pays attention to nonverbal cues to help clarify/interpret messages. Asks questions as appropriate. |
Oral Communication Skill | Speaks in a clear, organized, and logical manner. Communicates information or asks questions in an efficient and understandable way. Adapts communication styles to different situations. Uses nonverbal gestures to supplement and reinforce spoken messages. | ||
Written Communication | Communication of written information and ideas to others in an effective manner. Comprehension of written information. | Reading Comprehension | Understands written sentences and paragraphs in instructions, operator’s manuals, basic textbooks, letters of instructions, written orders, and job directives. |
Written Communication | Communicates written information and ideas to others in a clear, accurate, concise, grammatically correct, and well-organized manner. |
Disposition
Talent | Definition | Measurable KSB | Definition |
Agreeableness | Tendency towards a general concern for social harmony and is connected to others. | Affiliation | Engages socially with others, participates in groups easily, and is seen by others as friendly and open, rather than shy and reserved. |
Consideration | Considerate of others, affectionate, compassionate, sensitive, and caring. | ||
Cooperation | Compliant, non-critical, trusting, cordial, and easy to get along with. | ||
Humility | Is honest, puts others’ needs or needs of the mission before one’s own, and does not focus on being the center of attention. | ||
Selflessness | Generous with one’s time and resources. | ||
Conscientiousness | Tendency towards self-discipline and duty, strives to follow rules, do what is right, and thoroughly accomplish work goals. | Achievement Orientation | Sets high personal goals and standards, is willing to give one’s best effort, works hard to achieve difficult objectives, is confident and resourceful in striving for accomplishment. |
Dependability | Trustworthy, reliable, planful, and accountable. Respects the value of discipline. Does not shy away from responsibility. Makes an effort to keep promises. | ||
Detail-Focused and Precise | Attentive to detail and is thorough, accurate, and precise in completing a task. | ||
Discipline | Decisions and actions are consistent with the Army Values; willing obedience to lawful orders. | ||
Introspective | Contemplative by nature; self-aware. | ||
Non-Delinquency | Complies with rules, customs, norms, and expectations, and tends not to challenge authority. | ||
Orderliness | Organizes tasks and activities and desires to maintain neat and clean surroundings. | ||
Persistence | Focuses on tasks and activities until they are completed and is determined to accomplish one’s goals even in the face of obstacles. | ||
Prudent Risk-Taker | Acts boldly yet maintains appropriate focus upon personal, Soldier, and Unit safety. | ||
Self-Management | Effectively manages the full range of one’s work and nonwork responsibilities (e.g., setting and prioritizing goals, allocating effort and personal resources, and assessing own performance). | ||
Virtue | Adheres to standards of honesty, morality, and selfless and charitable behavior. | ||
Emotional Stability | Tendency towards being well-adjusted, in control of emotions, optimistic, even-tempered, resilient to challenges, and demonstrates self-control. | Adjustment | Is worry free, and handles stress well; low scoring individuals are generally high strung, self-conscious, and apprehensive. |
Emotional Control | Acts rationally, displays a generally calm and even mood, maintains composure, and is not overly distraught by stressful situations. | ||
Even-Tempered | Calm and stable; does not often exhibit anger, hostility, or aggression. | ||
Hostility to Authority | Suspicious of the motives and actions of legitimate authority figures. Views rules and directives from authority as illegitimate. | ||
Machiavellianism | Deceives and manipulates others for personal gain. | ||
Optimism | Tends to have positive outlook on life and tends to experience joy and a sense of well-being. | ||
Resilience | Quickly recovers from setbacks. Focuses on the mission and objectives during shock, injuries, and stress. Maintains organizational focus despite adversity. Learns from adverse situations and grows in resilience. | ||
Self-Control | Tends to be cautious, levelheaded, patient, and able to delay gratification. | ||
Empathy | Tendency towards genuinely understanding the situation of another through a sense of shared feelings and/or motives. | Empathy | Can experience something from another person’s point of view. Ability to identify with and enter into another person’s feelings and emotions. Desire to care for and take care of Soldiers and others. |
Extraversion | Tendency towards enjoying attention and interactions with others, and being part of a group. | Assertiveness | Socially dominant, influential, energetic, and takes charge. |
Attention Seeking | Engages in behaviors that attract social attention; loud, talkative, entertaining, and even boastful. | ||
Enthusiasm | Experiences positive emotions and enjoys the company of others. | ||
Initiative | Relies on own abilities to overcome obstacles, and is effective in situations that require a willingness to originate action or take independent action to achieve a goal. | ||
Sociability | Interest in and engages in friendly social interactions. | ||
Interests | Preferences for work environments and outcomes | Artistic Interests | Interest in expressing oneself creatively. |
Conventional Interests | Interest in organizing data, people, or physical environments. | ||
Enterprising Interests | Interest in persuading people or exerting influence over others. | ||
Interest in Leadership | Interest in leading individuals and teams. | ||
Investigative Interests | Interest in rational and systematic reasoning and working with facts, data, and abstract concepts. | ||
Realistic Interests | Interest in practical, hands-on, concrete activities with physical objects. | ||
Social Interests | Interest in working with and helping others. | ||
Military-Specific | Exemplifies Army values, commitment to service, successfully performs duties, and models the actions and internal shared attitudes and beliefs that embody the Army profession | Army Self-Efficacy | Confident in one’s abilities to successfully perform the tasks of a Soldier and accomplish one’s goals in the Army. |
Army Values | Models loyalty, duty, respect, selfless service, honor, integrity, and personal courage. Promotes the associated principles, standards, and qualities in others. | ||
Commitment to Serve | Feels an obligation to serve or continue serving in the U.S. Military. | ||
Military And Professional Bearing | Models a professional image of authority. Energizes others through a commanding presence. Exemplifies adherence to standards through appearance, demeanor, actions, and words. | ||
Warrior Ethos/Service Ethos | Internal shared attitudes and beliefs that embody the spirit of the Army profession for Soldiers and Army Civilians alike. | ||
Motives | Individual preference or reason for initiating and maintaining goal-oriented behaviors. | Autonomy | Prefers to be self-sufficient, independent, and work alone. Depends upon his/her own abilities to overcome difficult or severe situations. Is confident in own abilities. |
Learning Orientation | Seeks out learning opportunities, enjoys acquiring new knowledge and skills, and is comfortable applying new knowledge and skills on the job. | ||
Locus of Control | Belief in the amount of control one has over situations, outcomes, rewards, and punishments – versus other people or external factors having that control. | ||
Self-Efficacy | Confidence in one’s ability to succeed, effectively meet challenges, and overcome obstacles. | ||
Openness to Experience | Tendency towards intellectual curiosity, adaptability, and willingness to try new things. | Curiosity | Inquisitive and perceptive; interested in learning new information and attend courses and workshops whenever possible. |
Innovative | Creative, inquisitive, and insightful. Easily identifies new solutions and catalyzes change. | ||
Intellectual Efficiency | Scholarly and academically oriented; described by others as knowledgeable, astute, and intellectual; processes information quickly. | ||
Tolerance | Interested in other cultures and opinions that may differ from one’s own. Willing to adapt to novel environments and situations. | ||
Tolerance for Ambiguity | Capacity to tolerate work situations where the right goal or the correct path to the goal is unclear, vague, or ill-defined. | ||
Adaptability | Modifies behavior or plans as necessary to reach goals. Is able to maintain effectiveness in varying environments with various tasks, responsibilities, or people. | ||
Stress Tolerance | Capacity to withstand pressures and strains, and maintains composure under pressure. | Stress Tolerance | Capacity to maintain emotional control and composure under pressure. |
Expertise & Personal Competence
Talent | Definition | Measurable KSB | Definition |
Budget & Finance | Knowledge of, and ability to, apply the basic principles, practices, and methods of financial management to set priorities and accomplish the goals of the organization. | Financial Management | Uses financial resources effectively to set priorities and accomplish goals. |
IT Programs and Systems | Ability and knowledge of the tools, techniques, and necessary programming languages to develop, implement, innovate, and support IT-related projects and goals. | Advanced Computer Skills | Understands numerous computer operating systems and applications such as Unix, NT, and Army specific systems. Can perform routine troubleshooting. |
Basic Computer Skills | Uses personal computers and office software programs to create documents, spreadsheets, and presentations. Creates and maintains computer files. Locates and uses information on the Internet and uses other Internet functions including e-mail. | ||
Software Development | Designs software applications and writes programming code in common programming languages (e.g., C#, java) for various purposes. | ||
Web Development | Designs web applications and develops part or all of front-end (visual), middleware (application interfaces), and back-end (information storage) aspects of web development. Able to participate in design and development activities for web applications. | ||
Cyber Knowledge | Knowledge of the systems and services directly or indirectly connected to the internet, telecommunications, electronics, and computer networks. | ||
Information and Systems Security | Applies hardware and software methods to secure information systems, and information at rest and in transit. | ||
Systems Architecture and Engineering | Designs, builds, and maintains computer hardware and software systems to support organizational or enterprise information system requirements. | ||
Data Science | Uses data science tools and applications to collect, integrate, analyze, and interpret qualitative and quantitative data to support enterprise needs and military operations. | ||
Database Programming and Engineering | Designs, builds and maintains database applications to support enterprise and unit information requirements. | ||
Innovating Technology | Creates new technologies or adapts existing technologies to perform new functions. | ||
Knowledge Management | Applies controls to the flow of digital information. Uses knowledge management systems to sort, classify, combine, exclude, and present information so that it is useable by others. | ||
Technologically Adept | Learns how to use and apply advances in technologies or technological systems. | ||
Math & Science | Proficiency in basic and advanced mathematics and scientific methods. | Advanced Mathematics | Uses advanced math such as geometry, statistics, or algebra to solve problems. |
Basic Mathematics | Uses arithmetic (add, subtract, multiply, divide) and formulas to solve problems. | ||
General Science | Knowledge of life science, earth and space science, and physical science. | ||
Mathematical Reasoning | Uses the right mathematical methods or formulas to solve a problem. | ||
Mathematics Knowledge | Knowledge of mathematical concepts and applications. | ||
Science methods | Uses scientific rules and methods to solve problems. | ||
Mechanical & Electrical | Knowledge, skill, and understanding of mechanical and electrical equipment and systems, including ability to install, use, and maintain. | Auto and Shop Information | Knows information regarding automotive maintenance and repair, and wood and metal shop practices. |
Basic Electronics Knowledge | Knows general information regarding electronics principles and electronics equipment operation and repair. | ||
Basic Mechanical Knowledge | Knows general information regarding mechanical principles, tools, and mechanical equipment operation and repair. | ||
Inspecting Equipment, Objects, Structures, or Materials | Inspects equipment, objects, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors, problems, or defects. | ||
Machine/Equipment Installation | Installs equipment, machines, wiring, or programs to meet specifications. | ||
Mechanical Comprehension | Knows the principles of mechanical devices, structural support, and properties of materials. | ||
Mechanically and Technologically Savvy | Possesses deep expertise in how specific machinery, equipment, or technology works. Uses specialized technology effectively or is able to diagnose and correct problems with technology or machines. | ||
Multi-Domain Collaboration | Synthesizes and applies knowledge from multiple disciplines into a coherent overarching perspective. Ability to collaborate across multiple interdisciplinary groups and contexts. | Interdisciplinary | Synthesizes and applies knowledge from multiple disciplines into a coherent overarching perspective. |
Joint, Interagency, Intergovernmental, and Multinational (JIIM) Perspective | Understands the motivations, methods, and perspectives of two or more agencies, components, organizations, or foreign partners within the context of accomplishing a task, mission, or common effort. | ||
Working in Multidisciplinary Contexts | Works alongside or in teams of non-military individuals who possess significant professional expertise very different from one’s own. | ||
Working with the Public | Works with or among (non-government) U.S. civilians or civilian organizations as part of one’s work. | ||
Safety & Compliance | Establishing or maintaining the safety standards and regulations to ensure a healthy and safe work environment. | Evaluating Compliance | Uses relevant information, knowledge, and individual judgement to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards. |
Process-Disciplined | Diligently abides by procedures designed to ensure accuracy, effectiveness, and safety. | ||
Quality Control Analysis | Conducts tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate quality or performance. | ||
Safety Compliance | Follows safety guidelines and instructions. Monitors others to ensure compliance. | ||
Tactical/Technical Competence | Employs appropriate technical procedures or organizational processes to accomplish tasks. Possesses necessary technical knowledge and skill to perform MOS/branch or functional area specific tasks. Applies knowledge of combined arms operations and sees how one’s own unit relates to larger strategic picture and goals | Knowledge of Combined Arms Operations | Applies and effectively integrates multiple warfighting functions such as direct and indirect fires, communications, intelligence, and combat service support. |
Knowledge of Processes and Procedures | Employs appropriate technical procedures or organizational processes to accomplish tasks. | ||
Knowledge of System Inter-Relations | Capable of analyzing how goals and operations of own unit are inter-related with other units and systems. Can see the larger strategic picture and interpret how one’s own unit relates to it. | ||
MOS/Branch-Specific Knowledge and Skill | Possesses the necessary technical knowledge and skill to perform MOS/branch-specific technical tasks. Stays informed of the latest developments in field. | ||
Functional Area/Occupation-Specific Knowledge and Skill | Possesses the necessary technical knowledge and skill to perform functional area-specific technical tasks. Stays informed of the latest developments in field. | ||
Proficiency with Mission Systems | Uses weapons and mission information systems in training or operational contexts to acquire, synthesize, or use information/data to enable or support military operations. | ||
Soldier Common Task Knowledge and Skills | Possesses the necessary knowledge and skill to perform common individual tasks at the appropriate skill level (e.g., land navigation, field survival techniques, and CBRN protection). | ||
Specialized Expertise | Applies advanced technical expertise to diagnose or solve problems and perform tasks. Is an expert in a highly technical or specialized domain (e.g., medicine, engineering, chemistry, explosives). |
Interpersonal
Talent | Definition | Measurable KSB | Definition |
Cultural Awareness | Learning about and demonstrating acceptance and understanding of individuals from other cultural and social backgrounds, both in the context of the diversity of U.S. Army personnel and interactions with foreign nationals during deployments or when training for deployment. | Cross-Culturally Fluent | Aware of and able to operate across different cultural settings (e.g., organizational, demographic, ethnographic, and generational). |
Cultural Awareness | Learning about and demonstrating acceptance and understanding of individuals from other cultural and social backgrounds, both in the context of the diversity of U.S. Army personnel and interactions with foreign nationals during deployments or when training for deployment. | ||
Cultural/ Interpersonal Adaptability | Modifies one’s style and behavior to fit the situation and culture; open-minded. | ||
Maintains Relevant Geopolitical Awareness | Learns about relevant societies experiencing unrest. Recognizes Army influences on unified action partners and enemies. Understands the factors influencing conflict and peace building, peace enforcement, peacekeeping, peacemaking, and peace operations. | ||
Social Skills | Skills that are used to communicate and interact with each other, both verbally and non-verbally, through gestures, body language, and personal appearance. | Interpersonal Relationship Building | Develops and maintains effective working relationships with others. Understands how to leverage relationships to achieve objectives. |
Interpersonal Tact | Demonstrates proficient interaction with others. Effectively adjusts behaviors when interacting with others. Understands character and motives of others, and modifies personal behavior accordingly. | ||
Perspective Taking | Skill in understanding how people interpret events and interpersonal interactions. | ||
Social Perceptiveness | Accurately perceives and understands other people’s motives, attitudes, and feelings based on what they do or say, and accurately perceives one’s own impact on the behavior of others. | ||
Teamwork | Individual skills to work effectively with others as part of a team resulting in a coordinated collective action to achieve a goal or to complete a task in the most effective and efficient way. | Conflict Management | Anticipates and takes steps to prevent counterproductive confrontations. Manages and resolves conflicts and disagreements in a constructive manner. |
Cooperation/Teamwork | Works collaboratively with others to solve problems and achieve group goals and objectives. | ||
Coordination | Adjusting actions in relation to others’ actions. | ||
Fosters Teamwork, Cohesion, Cooperation, Loyalty and Esprit de Corps | Encourages people to work together effectively. Promotes teamwork and team achievement to build trust. Draws attention to the consequences of poor coordination. Integrates new members into the unit quickly. | ||
Team Building | Assembles a team of people that work together effectively. Identifies and effectively utilizes the appropriate mix of mission-relevant skills. Fosters group identity and cohesion by clearly communicating team goals, and encouraging and rewarding cooperation among team members. | ||
Team Development | Presents challenging assignments for team or group interaction. Provides resources and support for realistic, mission-oriented training. Sustains and improves the relationships among team or group members. Provides feedback on team processes. | ||
Team Orientation | Enjoys being part of a team, has a strong identification with one’s team and other team members, and feels a sense of commitment and obligation to the team. | ||
Team Planning | Organizes and orients team members to meet goals. Changes organization and focus of group to meet changing missions and conditions. | ||
Coordinating Multiple Groups | Coordinates the efforts of multiple, diverse groups to accomplish a mission. |
Leadership & Management
Talent | Definition | Measurable KSB | Definition |
Leadership | Influence people by providing purpose, direction, and motivation to accomplish the mission and improve the organization. | Consensus Building | Builds effective working relationships. Uses two-way, meaningful communication. Identifies individual and group interests. Identifies roles and resources. Generates and facilitates generation of possible solutions. Applies fair standards to assess options. |
Encourages Subordinates to Exercise Initiative, Accept Responsibility and Take Ownership | Involves others in decisions and informs them of consequences. Allocates responsibility for performance. Guides subordinate leaders in thinking through problems for themselves. Allocates decision-making to the lowest appropriate level. Acts to expand and enhance subordinate’s competence and self-confidence. Rewards initiative. | ||
Improves the Organization | Makes decisions and takes action to improve the organization beyond one’s own tenure. | ||
Inspirational Leader | Motivates teams to work harmoniously and productively towards a common goal. | ||
Leads By Example | Serves as a decisive leader and positive role model who upholds standard and Army Ethic (legal and moral Army principles). | ||
Motivating Others | Generates support, involvement, energy, and enthusiasm for the mission among subordinates and others using appropriate influence techniques (e.g., inspiration, role modeling, collaboration, persuasion, mentoring, conflict management, etc.) given the mission, time, and conditions. | ||
Organizational Perspective | Assesses situations, missions, and assignments to determine the parties involved in decision-making, decision support, and possible interference or resistance. | ||
Peer Leadership | Seeks positions of authority among peers. Comfortable with being in charge of a group and accepts responsibility for the group’s performance. | ||
Shared Leadership | Identifies appropriate circumstances and empowers individuals with the right expertise to lead efforts and solve problems in response to situational needs and events (right person, right problem), while maintaining overall command or authority. | ||
Management | Leads the work activities of a team to achieve goals within a specified time. | Delegating | Appropriately delegates authority and responsibility for decision making, and for planning and executing tasks. |
Project Manager | Able to determine requirements, develop work processes, delegate responsibilities, and lead teams to desired outcomes. | ||
Resource Management | Manages and tracks funding, people, and equipment to accomplish a mission. Allocates adequate time for task completion. Allocates time to prepare and conduct rehearsals. Continually seeks improvement in operating efficiency, resource conservation, and fiscal responsibility. Attracts, recognizes, and retains talent. | ||
Task Planning and Management | Schedules activities to meet commitments in critical performance areas. Notifies peers and subordinates in advance of required support. Keeps track of task assignments and suspenses; attends to details. Adjusts assignments, if necessary. Assesses progress toward mission accomplishment, provides additional guidance, or resets the team as necessary. | ||
Time Management | Manages one’s own time and the time of others. | ||
Performance Management |
Oversees, monitors, and facilitates work performance of subordinates. Ensures they meet organizational standards, provides feedback, recognizes and rewards good performance, and works to improve performance. | Encourages Fairness and Inclusiveness | Provides accurate evaluations and assessments. Supports equal opportunity. Prevents all forms of harassment. Encourages learning about and leveraging diversity. |
Enforces Standards | Reinforces the importance and role of standards. Performs individual and collective tasks to standard. Recognizes and takes responsibility for poor performance; addresses it appropriately. | ||
Monitoring | Monitors/assesses performance of oneself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action. | ||
Providing Feedback | Gives accurate and timely feedback. Uses feedback and counseling to modify duties, tasks, procedures, requirements, and goals. | ||
Improves Unit Performance | Employs learning strategies to improve unit performance. Uses assessment techniques and evaluation tools (such as after action reviews) to identify lessons learned and facilitate consistent improvement. Determines the appropriate setting and timing for feedback. | ||
Recognizes and Rewards Good Performance | Recognizes individual and team accomplishments; rewards appropriately. Credits subordinates for good performance; builds on successes. Explores reward systems and individual reward motivations. | ||
Sustains Climate & Morale |
Supports a climate of trust, high morale, consideration of the welfare of followers, demonstrates perseverance and courage to followers in the face of adversity, and shows commitment to organizational missions and values | Balances Mission and Welfare of Followers | Assesses and routinely monitors effects of mission fulfillment on mental, physical, and emotional attributes of subordinates. Monitors morale, physical condition, and safety of subordinates. Provides appropriate relief when conditions jeopardize success of the mission or present overwhelming risk to personnel. Addresses subordinates’ and families’ needs (health, welfare, and development). Stands up for subordinates. Routinely monitors morale and encourages honest feedback. |
Sustains a Climate of Trust | Assesses factors or conditions that promote or hinder trust. Keeps people informed of goals, actions, and results. Follows through on actions related to expectations of others. Is firm, fair, and respectful to gain trust. | ||
Warrior Ethos | Removes or fights through obstacles, difficulties, and hardships to accomplish the mission. Demonstrates the commitment to persevere despite adversity, obstacles, and challenges. Demonstrates physical and emotional courage. Shares hardships with subordinates. | ||
Training and Developing Others | Determines subordinate training needs and creates a learning environment where the leader trains, mentors, and instructs subordinates in order to enhance their performance, development, and motivation. | Assesses Developmental Needs of Others | Determines strengths and weaknesses of subordinates under different conditions. Evaluates subordinates in a fair and consistent manner. Assesses tasks and subordinate motivation to consider ways to improve work assignments, cross-train on tasks, and accomplish missions. Designs ways to challenge subordinates to improve weaknesses and sustain strengths. Encourages subordinates to improve processes. |
Mentoring | Mentors and coaches subordinates, subordinate leaders, and others. Uses experience and knowledge to improve future performance, individual understanding, and proficiency. | ||
Creates a Learning Environment | Uses effective assessment and training methods. Encourages leaders and their subordinates to reach their full potential. Motivates others to develop themselves. Expresses the value of interacting with others and seeking counsel. Stimulates innovative and critical thinking in others. Seeks new approaches to problems. Communicates differences between professional standards and a zero-defects mentality. Emphasizes learning from one’s mistakes. | ||
Instructing | Teaches others how to do something. | ||
Training and Developing Others |
Determines the training needs of individual subordinates, providing the appropriate level of instruction, guidance, and developmental opportunities. Uses counseling to provide personal and developmental feedback. |
Physical
Talent | Definition | Measurable KSB | Definition |
General Fitness | Demonstrates good health and physical conditioning by prioritizing good nutrition, physical exercise, and adequate sleep. | Bodily-Kinesthetic | Adept at performance and learning through physical activity. Is coordinated and dexterous. Has a keen awareness of one’s own body, movement, and space near one’s person. |
Health and Fitness Orientation | Tends to maintain good health and physical conditioning by prioritizing good nutrition, physical exercise, and adequate sleep. Committed to a lifestyle of physical fitness. | ||
Physical Endurance | Exerts oneself physically over long periods of time without getting winded or out of breath. | ||
Physical Strength | Meets the physical strength demands of Army work (i.e., push, pull, carry, or throw objects; propel). | ||
Physically Fit | Engages in activities to maintain physical conditioning, including vigorous sports or exercise. Performs well even under extreme physiological duress. Physically tough, gritty, and tenacious. | ||
Swimming | Swims capably, uses water survival skills, avoids water hazards. | ||
Psychomotor Ability | The ability to perform physical motor movements, including balance and coordination, with precision, accuracy and strength. | Balance | Keeps or regains one’s body balance or stays upright when in an unstable position. |
Control Precision | Quickly and repeatedly adjusts the controls of a machine or a vehicle to exact positions. | ||
Coordination | Performs activities that require eye-hand coordination, or coordinating the simultaneous movements of one’s limbs. | ||
Reaction Time | Quickly responds physically (e.g., with the hand, finger, or foot) to a signal (e.g., sound, light, picture) when it appears. |
The Army Talent Attribute Framework (ATAF) is a three-tiered structure composed of (7) Talent Domains, (43) subcategories of associated Talents, and (195) measurable Knowledge, Skills, and Behaviors (KSBs). The ATAF will provide the Department of the Army a standardized and synchronized lexicon to address Soldiers’ individual talent attributes. The framework will provide a common understanding of Soldier talents throughout the Force, which will optimize and modernize the Army’s talent and personnel management system for the 21st century Multi-Domain Warfighting.
- ARSOF
- Operations Division (OD)
- Force Sustainment Division (FSD)
- Health Services Division (HSD)
- Operational Support Division (OSD)
- External Resource
Corps of Engineers
Acquisition Corps
Ordnance Branch
Logistics Branch
Chief Warrant Officer
Army Medical Corps
Army Dental Corps
Army Veterinary Corps
Army Nurse Corps
Army Medical Specialist Corps
Army Medical Service Corps
FA 30 – Information Operations
FA 34 – Strategic Intel
FA 40 – Space Operations
FA 46 – Public Affairs
FA 47 – Academy Professor
FA 48 – Foreign Area Officer
FA 49 – Operations Research/Sys Analysis
FA 50 – Force Management
FA 52 – Nuclear and Counter-Proliferation
FA 57 – Simulations Operations
FA 59 – Strategic Plans & Policy
Cyber Branch
Electronic Warfare
Chaplain