I__. - International Military Testing Association

e. Furthermore, I have been c:ommander of t.he RNLA’s seiection centre for
three years - I shall tell. you more a!)out. this an? ;he relevance it
bears to this conference.
As you are aware, psychological tests show. on average, differences ill
scores between men and women.
In 1985 the tests gave the following differences in percent.ages of men
and women passing final selection:
men :
women :
40%
20%
Further research revealed that these differences in percentages were
brought about mainly by the original version of our practical technical
ability test.
A mere 25% of all women came above the cut.-off score, as opposed TV ‘5%
of all men.
f. This was one of the reasons behind our subjecting these test to a
thorough item-bias study, which led to t.he test being drastically
adapted.
Women still score iower results than men in this test, but the differences
are now much smaller: 50% of women and 75% of men now meet the
demands set in these test.
We have also modified the procedures.
Compensation and more differentiation a,r>cording to position have how
been introduced, and we have adapted our
personality test.s and the interview.
Without. going into too much detail, I can also tell you that we
currently set the same demands 2nd the same tests for men and women,
with the same cut-off scores,
answers.
based on the same number of correct
Moreover, the numbers of men and women in percentages passing final
selection are now almost equal, as . the following illustrates:
men : 45%
women : 40%
g* This is the only way in which we can achieve our objective of -women
comprising 10% of the army by 1993. You will
understand that this is no simple task for an organisation in which t.he
same demands are set. for both men and women, nor for one which is t.i! be
reduced by 30% over the next f*w years.
Reductions in personnel
This brings me to the final point I wish to bring to your attention. Many
armed forces will have to make considerable reduct.i.ons over the next few
years; as I have aiready merit.ioned, this will amount to 30% for the RNL4.
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