Job satisfaction, occupational stress, and personality characteristics of Air Force military training instructors

The authors present findings from the preliminary stage of a research program intended to improve the selection and retention of U.S. Air Force military training instructors (MTIs). Data derived from an initial sample of 100 incumbent instructors are discussed. Global job satisfaction and occupational stress levels, along with normal personality traits measured by the Revised NEO Personality Inventory, are presented. Results indicate a wide range of reported job satisfaction and stress among MTIs, with a sizable proportion indicating that they would not volunteer for this duty again. Several personality characteristics appear to be salient in distinguishing satisfied and adaptive MTIs from those who are unsatisfied and coping poorly. The authors outline plans for the long-term continuation and expansion of the project to develop an empirically based selection system for the MTI career field.