Medical Research Laboratory 
Port HCmox, Kentucky 
Second Partial Report 
On 
project: NO. 8 - PRESELECTION TESTS 
Project No. 8 
22 April 1944 ARMORED MEDICAL RESEARCH LABORATORY 
Fort Knox, Kentucky 
Project No. 8 
220.105 SPMEA 
22 April 1944 
1. PROJECT: No. 8, Preselection Tests. Second partial report. 
a. Authority - First indorsement, dated November 26, 1942, by 
Commanding General, Headquarters Armored Force, Fort Knox, Kentucky, file 
400.112/6 GNOHD, to letter Armored Force Medical Research Laboratory dated 
November 10, 1942. 
* Purpose - To-critically analyze some of the physical character- 
istics of the personnel of the 16th Armored Division and to demonstrate the . 
value of such additional information in classification. 
2. DISCUSSION: 
a. A general physical and dental examination, together with seven 
special test procedures, selected because of their applicability to Armored 
Unit functions, were given to all men of the 16th Armored Division at Camp 
Chaffee during the summer of 1%?. (See Appendix A.) 
.# 
b. The information obtained was used by Classification, by the 
Division Surgeon .and by unit commanders in several ways; 
(1) To aid in the classification and assignment of fillers, 
(2) To find and eliminate quickly men who do not belong in a 
combat unito 
(3) To define the magnitude and urgency of the division dental 
and optical problems. 
(4) To segregate those who would need special medical attention 
during basic training. 
(5) To supply company commanders with information concerning 
the limits of capabilities of their men during the early stages of training. 
(6) To carefully control and elaborate on a commonly used 
drivers aptitude test. 
3, CONCLUSIONS: 
a. Systematic consideration of the physical characteristics and 
limitations of men adds to the effectiveness of classification in unit and 
military occupational specialty assignment. 
b. The addition of physical preselection tests to the S.O.P. of reception and classification is both feasible and practical and does not 
significantly delay the beginning of training. 
Co Without the use of medical data, except in a very few rare 
specialties, present classification procedures do not provide enough useful 
information and can do little better than could be achieved with random 
selectiono 
4. RECOMMENDATIONS: 
i 
a. That the machinery for classifying men by physical qualifications 
be made available to all new unitso 
bo That the results of such classification be given maximal consider- 
ation in duty assignments« 
(NOTE: The conclusions and recommendations set forth above have been concurred 
in by Headquarters, Armored Center, W0 H0 Nutter, Colonel, G. S0 C0, 
Chief of Staff 
Prepared by: 
Major W. F. Ashe, M0C0 
APPROVED 
WILLARD MACHLE 
Colonel, Medical Corps 
Commanding 
4 Incls; 
#1 - Appendix .A, 16th Armdo Dive Analysis 
#2 - Appendix B, SoO.P. of Procedure 
#3 - Appendix C, Score Sheet APPENDIX A 
1, Preselection implies the ability to define in advance the probable 
capacities of men to perform tasks assigned to them. Successful preselection 
requires a knowledge of both the men and the tasks. It is the normal function 
of the classification officer, and it is self-evident that the earlier it can 
be done the better, A very elaborate and streamlined system has been devised 
by which the classification officer carries out his function both at induction 
centers and at first duty assignments. 
20 Since the primary function of the induction center is to supply an 
enormous pool of man power for a vast number of military requirements, it is 
probably not possible and certainly not practicable to delineate at this point 
the capacities of men beyond certain very general categories, i.e., fit for 
combat duty or fit for non-combatant duty in the various Armed Forces, accord- 
ing to a priority system determined by the War Department, 
3* At induction centers or man power pools, men assigned to the Army are 
given a general intelligence and psychological test (AoG.C.T.) and one or more 
of several special aptitude tests, such as clerical aptitude, mechanical 
aptitude, code aptitude, etc,, in an effort to learn something about the capa- 
cities of every man. This information, together with his past occupational, 
educational, familial and economic history is put on a punch card (Form 20) 
which accompanies him wherever he goes thereafter. 
4, Men are then assigned to one of the three forces (A.S.F., A.G.F., or 
A,A,F,), the bases of selection being age, physical status and the above 
mentioned tests,; Each Force Headquarters assigns its men to a specific unit 
(in the A.G.F. usually a division or a replacement training center). The only 
information accompanying a man to this first duty assignment is the Form 20, 
(Subsequent discussion will apply only to A.G.F,) 
5. At the unit, and for illustrative purposes a division will be used, 
the classification officer attempts to distribute men according to their 
capacities and in relation to the demands of the various tasks of that 
particular division, A knowledge of the divisional job requirements, the 
information on the Form 20 and a three minute personal interview with each man 
constitute the basis of selection. 
6, Every effort is made to insure proper assignment in the small units 
and by tasks so that a minimum of re-arrangement is necessary after basic 
training begins• 
7, The objectives of this classification procedure as applied to combat 
units (A.G.F. primary consideration) may be defined as follows: 
a* To assign men to the military occupations for which they are best 
fitted in terms of the specific requirements of the organization involved. 
(1) To locate Immediately the men with adequate previous exper- 
ience in those rarer and more difficult military specialties for which there is 
neither time nor the facilities for adequate training prior to commitment of the organization to action. 
(2) To distribute equitably within the organization both the 
good and the poor men whose capabilities are as yet un- 
known. 
b. To reduce as far as possible wasted training time by immediate 
discovery and proper assignment of those men who will prove to be incompetent 
conibat soldiers, including; 
(l) Those who do not belong in the Army0 
(2) Those who, by the nature of their are unfit 
for combat and must be re-assigned for duty within continent- 
al United States. 
(3) Those who, by the nature of their limitations, should 
perform only the non-combatant functions of the organization 
(unit) involved. 
c. Such other functions as can be proved to be of value to the 
organization as a whole and which can be profitably carried out in conjunction 
vdth and without interference with the nonnal classification procedure; their 
chief aim being better preselection. 
d. To base these assignments upon criteria which in practice will 
prove to be reasonably correct and will minimize the necessity of radical 
changes in assignments during the subsequent training period prior to combat. 
8, How]successfully these objectives can be met depends in part upon 
the nature ahd completeness of the information used as a basis for classifica- 
tions. At the present time, this information usually consists of the following 
a. Age, sex, marital status, racial background and religion 
b. Previous educational and occupational background 
c. Chief interests and hobbies. 
d. General and specific aptitude test scores. 
e. A statement by the inductee of what he wants to do (if he knows). 
f. A brief description of each of the military tasks inherent in 
that particular organization's primary and secondary functions. 
g, A specific and detailed table of the number of men required to 
fill the various parts of the divisional table of organization. 
9. With the limited information now available, classification can never 
be completely successful in placing every man in the task for which he is 
best fitted primarily because this information is not an adequate substitute for the trial and error method of selection inherent in the basic training 
procedures. In a sense, positive preselection—this man can do this partic- 
ular job better than anyone else—is impossible. However/ negative pre- 
selection—this man has not as good a chance of doing this particular job as 
■wall as many of his colleagues, but may be able to do any of a number of other 
tasks—is entirely possible. For example, a high school boy with no special 
training cannot be expected to become a competent cartographer in the allotted 
training time, but may be quitq able to become a competent rifleman, truck 
driver, etc. 
a. To a certain extent in all age groups, and particularly in the 
18-19 age group, there is frequently no basis for assignment save alone 
intelligence test scores and educational background because there has been 
no previous work experience and no military experience. There is probably 
nothing which presents to the classification officer a problem for which he 
has a less ready answer than the 19 year old high school lad with an AGCT of 
90 who simply says, "I just want to be a soldier, why else would I have 
joined," Another difficult problem is the man who thinks he-doesn’t want to 
be in the service at all and will give his interviewer no help. 
10* It is obvious, therefore, that any additional information concerning 
the potential capabilities of men which can be supplied to the classification 
officer will increase his effective batting average. It is the purpose of this 
report to demonstrate the practical usefulness of easily available physical 
information in negative preselection and, more important, in saving training 
time (actually getting better results from a given amount of training time.) 
11, The physical limitations to induction into the Aimy are not so 
severe as to ensure that all applicants accepted are physical equals. Many of 
the most important military occupations in combat require special physical 
qualifications. For example, a man who has only 20/100 vision without glasses 
cannot ever be expected to become a good tank gunner for the simple reason 
that he cannot see without glasses and he cannot use the tank optical equipment 
successfully with glasses. Again, men whose sitting height is greater than 
the distance between the seat and the roof cannot be expected to drive tanks 
satisfactorily even though they are perfect physical specimens. Color vision 
and depth perception play a most important role in the function of artillery 
observers. Foot defects primarily determine the limiting capacities of the 
infantry. 
12. While*' physical examinations are done at induction centers, none of 
the information obtained accompanies the man to Classification at his first 
duty station. As a- result, physical characteristics and limiting functional 
capacities are rarely if ever used by Classification in the initial unit and 
military occupational specialty assignments of Ground Force troops. One 
result of the lack of use of such information may be a very great deal of mis- 
directed training time. For example, one may question the desirability of 
months of training in tanks of a large group of men when it could be determined 
in a few minutes in advance that kO% of the group have visual functional 
limitations which immediately make them far less likely of success in the 
optimal use of that arm than the other 60$, Granting that all men in an 
Armored Unit ought to know how to handle a tank, it would seem wise to spend 
a major portion of training time on those whose chances are good of being7 able 
to handle it well. 13. The use of physical examination data in determining assignment can 
be and frequently is applied within larger units from the Regiment on down 
after classification. However, in smaller units, unless these characteristics 
are considered in unit assignment at initial classification, equitable distri- 
bution of men in terns of physical capabilities cannot be expected to follow. 
14. A series of physical preselection tests applicable to the more im- 
portant combat jobs of an armored division were devised and applied to all 
personnel of the 16th A. D. The purpose was primarily to save training time 
as well as to improve the likelihood of correct initial assignment by classifi- 
cation. The test procedures and measurements consisted of the following: 
a, A complete physical examination 
b, A complete dental examination 
c. Visual acuity 
d. Horizontal and vertical eye balance 
e. Depth perception 
f, .Color vision 
g, Hand-eye reaction time 
h. Sitting height 
15. The S.O.P. as used in the 16th A. D. (designed to handle in excess 
of 1000 men in 8 hours) will be found in Appendix B, 
16, After the physical examination, each man was given a physical status 
rating as follows: 
1, Probable candidate for C.D.D, 
2, Acutely ill - hospitalize without delay, 
3, Probable candidate for reclassification, 
4, Acceptable but needs medical and/or surgical attention 
before going overseas, 
5, Normal but too obese. 
6, Normal but malnourished, 
7, Normal. 
8, Superior - athletes. 
17, The dental and visual acuity examinations provided the surgeon with 
a complete dental and optical roster at once. No dental information was 
included in the physical status score because all such cases are considered 
remediable on first examination. They might have been classed 4 (acceptable 
after repair cf defects), but this was deemed unnecessary because repair is 
already standard procedure with adequate machinery for handling the problem. 
One of the chief values derived from these examinations was and is that it 
apprizes the unit surgeon and the camp surgeon of the magnitude of the 
reparative task much earlier than does the usual routine and prevents missed 
examinations which frequently occur when such examinations are done by small 
units during basic training or later. 
18. All other ,tests were scored as outlined on the Medical Corps Pre- 
selection Test scoreisheet (Appendix C), The sheet is coded for application 
to machine records cdrds and the card -column members appear on the right mar- gir* They are for use by the machine records unit only. 
19. Upon completion of all tests, each man is given a final U.C.P.T. score. 
This score consists of a direct application of the test findings to job analysis 
studies and results in a form of* negative preselection. Score 1 or Class A is 
considered physically fit for any duty. It includes physical status classes 
5 thru 8 with the provision that classes 5 and 6 need additional supervision 
during basic training. The scores achieved on the other six tests are all normal 
or better. Score 1 or Class A men have no physical limitations and are therefore 
potentially able to perform all tasks. Ko efforts toward specific positive 
preselection are made. 
a. Score 2 or Class A-j_, are men fit for all but certain specified 
duties. This class consists of that group of men who are physically normal 
except for minor limitations which make it unlikely or impossible for them to 
perform a few specific tasks. The final scorer, a medical officer, must be 
familiar with the limitations of special tasks. When a man is scored 2 or 
Class the specification number or numbers of the jobs he cannot do are 
written on the line below, (See Appendix C). For example, a man has a physical 
score of 8 and all tests are normal except that his sitting height exceeds 38" • 
He is scored 2 or and below are written the numbers 616, 736, 795; the 
specification numbers for tank crew men. This tells Classification that this 
man is .first class material for all division assignments except tank jobs. The 
physical and functional limitations used for each of the more important combat 
tasks of an armored division are listed below in Table 1, Previous analysis of 
the 12th A. D, showed clearly that these limitations could be applied and still 
leave more than adequate numbers of men to fill all basic and special tasks. 
Evidence accumulated at the Armored School indicates that there should be a 
very definite age limitation for tank drivers—the younger the better. It was 
not used in the 16th A.D. Age not in excess of 22 years for drivers and not in 
excess of 28 for other crew members is suggested. There is no contra-indication 
to the use of these limits0 
b. Score 3 or Class B is self-explanatory. The man is not combat 
material because of physical defects and should be reclassified before special 
combat duty training time is wasted on him. Score 4 or Class C includes those 
who should not have been admitted to the service and are immediate candidates 
for C.D.D, 
c. The classification officer chose to carry this procedure a step 
farther and assigned to each M.O.S, specification number an acceptable M.G.P.T. 
score thereby putting the generally more fit men in the more rigorous tasks as 
well as carefully selecting the men for key tasks (Table l). 
20. This preselection procedure is carried out prior to classification. 
The final score sheet is carried to classification along with the Form 20, 
Classification proceeds as usual except that the additional physical information 
is used in unit and military occupational specialty assignments. Use of the 
procedure on two full divisions has clearly shown that it in no way slows or 
hinders normal classification procedures, and is of material aid in making 
military occupational specialty recommendations as well as unit assignments. 21. In order to facilitate a critical study of classification procedures 
the classification officer of the 16th A. D. agreed to add to the M.C.P.T. 
score sheet the pertinent information of Form 20, together with the final 
specialty assignment, (See Appendix C.) There is practical value in this 
procedure as used in the 16th A. D. Normally no physical information goes to 
the Company Commander and the Fom 20 information goes down only to Battalion 
Headquarters. The M.C.P.T,. score sheet was completed in duplicate and copies 
were sent to the Company Commanders so that each might have all available 
information on his men for use during the early phases of training before he 
had had an opportunity to know each man well., Company Commanders have already 
expressed enthusiastic approval of this procedure as has the Commanding General 
of the 16th A. D. 
22. Each of the elements of the M.C.P.T. has been statistically analyzed 
and it is from them that the final conclusions and recommendations are drawn. 
Statistical analysis of this sample (the first 10,000 completed) indicates 
completely normal distribution curves. Therefore the percentile 
distributions found herein are completely applicable to the entire division 
(in excess of 13,000 men). The analysis of these data follows: JOB 
SPEC. 
NO* 
VISUAL 
ACUITY 
EYE BA 
HORIZ. 
.LANCE 
VERTICo 
DEPTH 
PERCEPT* 
SITTING 
HEIGHT 
COLOR 
VISION 
1 
PHYSICAL 
STATUS 
Tank Commander 
795 
20/20 
2-8 
1 3‘7 
U or more 
38" or less 
3 
7 or more 
Tank Driver 
736 
20/20 
3 or more 
38" or less 
2 or more 
6 or more 
Tank Gunner 
616 
20/20 
2-8 
3-7 
U or more 
38" or less 
3 
6 or more 
Machine Gunner 
(603 
20/20 
2-8 
3-7 
U or more 
3 
6 or more 
(60U 
* 
2 or more 
Truck (Light 
3li5 
20/20 
3 or more 
• 
( 
2 or more 
7 or more 
Driver (Heavy 
20/20 
3 or more 
corrected 
2 or more 
7 or more 
Half Track Driver 
735 
20/20 
3 or more 
Half Track Comdr* 
532 
20/20 
2-8 
3-7 
U or more 
3 
7 or more 
(Reconnais. N*C.O. 
i 
7UU 
20/20 
k or more 
3 
7 or more 
* Actually all dri 
.ving an 
d key task u 
aen had a 
color vision score of 3» 
• 
% 
TABLE 1 
SCORE LIMITS FOR SPECIAL JOBS a, Age Distribution - The age distribution in numbers of men and as 
percents of the total population is shown in Table 2. Chart 1 is a graph of 
that distribution. The average of the men in the division was 25.55. 
TABLE 2 
AGE DISTRIBUTION OF MEN OF 16th A, D. 
AGS GROUP 
NO. OF MEN 
% OF TOTAL 
18-19 
23B5 
24.4 
20-24 
2684 
27.5 
25-29 
2403 
25.6 
30-34 
1531 
15.6 
35-39 
684 
7.0 
40 Up 
76 
OoB 
No Data 
14 
Ool 
TOTAL 
9777 
100.02 
b. Number of years in School - The educational background of the 
division personnel, as indicated by the number of years of school completed, 
is shown in Table 3 and Chart 2 for 5600 men. The percentile distribution is 
similar for the whole division, exclusive of officers. 
TABLE 3 
MO. Y3ARS SCHOOL 
NO. OF MEN 
% OF TOTAL 
: o 
3 
0.05 
■ i 
4 
0.07 
2 
a 
0.14 
3 
18 
0.32 
4 
34 
0.61 
5 
94 
1.67 
6 
176 
3.14 
7 
408 
7.27 
8 
1,051 
18,76 
9 
519 
9.25 
10 
696 
12.41 
11 
547 
9.75 
12 
1,417 
25.21 
13 
225 
4.01 
14 . 
156 
2o7B 
15 
71 
1.26 
16 
100 
1.78 
17 
39 
0.69 
18 
23 
0,41 
19 
13 
0.23 
20 Up 
8 
0.14 
TOTAL 
5,610 
99.95 (l) It may be of interest to compare the number of years in 
school with the A.G.C.T. score on the.same men. There is a very considerable 
correlation between the two. As will be apparent from a study of Table 4 
below, if all men with less than 10 years of school were automatically given 
an A.G.C.T. score of more than II, the error would be only 3%; and if all of 
those with more than 12 years of school were given an A.G.C.T, score of less 
than III, the error would be 2.5$. The correlation coefficient is 0,6989 
+ 0.005. Where possible in this and in subsequent tables, the highest scores 
appear on the left and decrease toward the right. 
TABLE 4 
CORRELATION BETWEEN YEARS IN SCHOOL & A.G.C.T. 
SCORE 
No. Yra 
A. 
G. C. T 
, SCORE 
No 
No. 
% 
School 
I 
II 
III 
IV 
V 
Data 
Men 
0 
1 
1 
0 
0 
0 
1 
3 
0.05 
1 
0 
0 
0 
3 
1 
. 0 
4 
0.07 
2 
0 
0 
1 
5 
2 
0 
8 
0.14 
3 
0 
1 
5 
9 
3 
0 
18 
0.32 
4 
0 
1 
1 
23 
9 
0 
34 
0.61 
5 
0 
1 
7 
73 
13 
0 
94 
1.67 
6 
0 
1 
IS 
141 
12 
4 
176 
3.14 
7 
0 
8 
88 
286 
20 
6 
408 
7.27 
8 
4 
80 
336 
600 
23 
8 
1,051 
18.76 
9 
6 
66 
240 
198 
6 
3 
519 
9.25 
10 
7 
139 
360 
186 
2 
2 
696 
12.41 
11 
16 
145 
, 272 
99 
0 
6 
547 
9.75 
12 
90 
651 
556 
101 
0 
19 
1,417 
25.21 
13 
33 
132 
5C 
7 
0 
3 
225 
4.01 
14 
24 
96 
32 
3 
0 
1 
156 
2.78 
15 
19 
43 
6 
1 
0 
2 
71 
1.26 
16 
25 
59 
14 
0 
0 
2 
100 
lo78 
17 
13 
24 
2 
0 
.0 
0 
39 
0.69 
18 
5 
14 
3 
0 
0 
1 
23 
0.41 
19 
.4 
9 
0 
0 
0 
0 
13 
0.23 
20 
\3 
t 
4 
1 
0 
0 
0 
8 
0.14 
NO. MEN 
250 
1484 
1992 
1735 
91 
58 
5,610 
99.95 
% 
4.46 
26.44 
35.51 
30.90 1.60 
1.04 
99o95 
c. Physical Status - In Table 5 are tabulated the physical status 
scores by age groups * Chart 3 shows quite* cleraly that there is an abrupt rise 
in the percentage of the physically unfit in the older age groups. Experience 
with both of these divisions strongly suggests that men above 34 years of age 
are not likely to become useful combat personnel TABLii 5 
PHYSICAL STATUS 
AGS 
GROUP 
S 
CORE 
TOTAI 
% 
8 
7 
6 
5 
4 
3 
2 
1 
WO 
Data 
18-19 
17 
2186 
17 
11 
95 
46 
3 
7 
3 
2385 
24.4 
20-24 
46 
2194 
15 
29 
239 
140 
0 
13 
8 
2684 
27.5 
25-29 
17 
2038 
13 
38 
160 
124 
0 
10 
3 
2403 
24.6 
30-34 
4 
1270 
7 
30 
140 
71 
0 
7 
2 
1531 
15.6 
35-39 
0 
523 
3 
16 
75 
55 
1 
6 
5 
' 684 
7.0 
40 Up 
1 
34 
0 
5 
14 
20 
0 
2 
0 
76 
0,8 
No Data 
0 
9 
0 
1 
3 
1 
0 
0 
0 
14 
Ool 
TOTAL 
B5 
8254 
55 
130 
726 
457 
4 
45 
21 
9777 
100.0 
% 
0.9 
84.6 
0.5 
1.3 
7.9 
4.7 
0.04 
0.4 
0.2 
100.04 
(l) As was the case with the age distribution, there is no lack of 
physically fit specimens to perform the more rigorous combat tasks provided they 
are used for that purpose rather than for administrative, maintenance and supply 
tasks. B$% of this division were sound men on arrival and 90% of them were in 
age groups apt to be able to stand the rigors of armored unit activities. This 
is an excellent outlook. 
d. Visual Acuity - Tables 6 and 7 show the visual acuity of all men by 
age groups. TABLE 6 
VISUAL ACUITY - LEFT SYS 
AGS 
GROUP 
20 
10 
20 
15 
20 
20 
20 
30 
20 
40 
20 
50 
20 
70 
. 20 
100 
20 
200f 
No 
Data 
No- 
Men 
% 
18-19 
24 
868 
978 
202 
81 
37 
64 
38 
87 
6 
2385 
24.4 
20-24 
$2 
1106 
962 
211 
91 
57 
74 
40 
86 
5 
2684 
27 0 5 
25-29 
21 
676 
936 
244 
100 
57 
63 
22 
76 
8 
2403 
24*6 
30-34 
9 
542 
608 
166 
55 
46 
37 
23 
44 
1 
153.1 
15.6 
35-39 
1 
217 
279 
75 
43 
20 
22 
6 
19 
2 
684 
7.0 
40 Up 
2 
24 
37 
9 
3 
1 
0 
0 
0 
0 
76 
0.8 
No Data 
0 
5 
7 
1 
1 
0 
0 
0 
0 
0 
14 
0.1 
No. Men 
109 
3638 
3807 
908 
374 
218 
260 
129 
312 
22 
9777 
100.0 
% 
1.1 
37.2 
39.0 
9.3 
3.8 
2.2 
2.7 
1.3 
3.2 
0.2 
100.0 
TABLE 7 
VISUAL ACUITY - RIGHT EYE 
AGE 
GROUP 
20 
10 
20 
15 
20 
20 
20 
30 
20 
40 
20 
50 
20 
70 
20 
100 
20 
200+ 
No 
Data 
No. 
Men 
% 
18-19 
27 
854 
1004 
188 
64 
56 
55 
26 
108 
3 
2385 
24*4 
20-24 
57 
1114 
951 
219 
81 
64 
61 
39 
94 
4 
2684 
27.5 
25-29 
22 
840 
977 
254 
94 
58 
47 
31 
77 
3 
2403 
24.6 
30-34 
11 
526 
632 
174 
62 
32 
45 
17 
31 
1 
1531 
15.6 
35-39 
4 
216 
288 
86 
26 
18 
18 
7 
19 
0 
684 
7.0 
40 Up 
1 
25 
36 
10 
1 
1 
2 
0 
0 
0 
76 
0.8 
No Data 
0 
6 
7 
1 
0 
0 
0 
0 
0 
0 
14 
0.1 
No. Men 
122 
3583 
3895 
932 
328 
299 
228 
120 
329 
11 
9777 
100 o0 
% 
1.3 
36.7 
39.8 
9.5 
3.4 
3.1 
2.3 
1.2 
3.4 
0.1 
99.7 (l) In Chart 4, the visual acuity is plotted against age. The 
normal sight deterioration with age is apparent. There is another bit of in- 
formation brought to light by this form of presentation which may be of very 
considerable importance if it is used. In all age groups with the exception 
of 20-24 years, the maximum distribution occurs at the accepted normal value 
of 20/20. In the 20-24 age group, however, this peak cornea at 20/15* Inas- 
much as both the younger and older age groups have less good vision than this 
group, it would appear that there is in this group a rapid maturation of max- 
imum visual acuity which soon begins to decline. This limited age group has 
definitely superior vision and where possible could be used to advantage to 
perform tasks requiring unusually fine sight. The size of the group involved 
(2684 men) is too large for this to be an accidental finding. The technique 
of examination was rigid, constant, carefully supervised and the apparatus 
tiled was thoroughly standardized. 
(2) In the whole division 5332 men (55$) have equal and normal 
or better than normal vision in each eye, and 7125 men (73$) have the equiva- 
lent of normal or better than normal vision in both eyes; both groups without 
glasses. 
(3) In the whole range of visual acuity (normal and abnormal) 
63$ of all men have equal vision in both eyes. Among the 37$ of unequals, 
exactly half (50$) have better vision in the right eye. The inequality of 
vision in the two eyes increases somewhat with age. In the two younger age 
groups, 34$ have unequal vision and in the three older age groups, the average 
is approximately 41$. This analysis is of little interest to most units, but 
is of considerable importance to sight and periscope designers. The better 
eye is not necessarily the dominant (preferential) eye. Dominance was not 
measured. 
e. Eye Balance - The extra-oculer eye muscles control eye movements 
and are responsible for normal stereo-vision. If one or more of the six 
muscles of each eye do not function properly, both eyes will not be focused 
on exactly the same point. One of the images is slightly offset in some 
direction. Frequently the individual is unaware of this defect. In spotting 
the accuracy of artillery fire and related tasks, normal stereo-vision is 
essential. For that reason, horizontal and vertical eye balance were measured. 
The standards set for normal are similar to those used by the U, S. Navy for 
direct fire gunners (vertical imbalance shall not exceed one prism diopter 
hyperphoria in either eye and horizontal imbalance shall not exceed 6 prism 
diopters esophoria and 4 prism doptera exophoria). Tables 8 and 9 show the 
distribution of normal and abnormal vertical and horizontal eye balance res- 
pectively. 
TABU) 8 
VERTICAL BALANCE 
Right Hyperphoria 
No Imbalance 
Left Hyperphoria 
2D 1.5D ID 
0.5D 
0 
0,5D ID 1.5D 2D 
TOTAL 
NOo Men 
21 44 189 
784 
4282 
2847 818 236 77 
9298 
% 
0.2 0.5 2.2 
8.4 
46,0 
30,6 8,8 2,5 0.8 
100.0^ TABLE 9 
HORIZONTAL BALANCE 
Esophoria 
No Imbalance 
Exophoria 
10D 
8D 
6D 
4D 
2D 
0 
2D 4D 6D 
TOTAL 
No. Men 
66 
220 
650 
1150 
2013 
2537 
2020 512 124 
9292 
% 
0.7 
2.4 
7.0 
12.4 
21.6 
27.4 
21.7 5.5 1.3 
100.0? 
f. Depth Perception - There are many techniques by which depth per- 
ception is measured. The one most commonly used by the Armed Forces is probably 
the peg-pulley test (Howard-Dollman) in which the subject is asked to manipulate, 
at a distance of 20 feet, two 2n by white pegs until they are side by side. 
This test does not correlate very well with a number of other procedures which 
do correlate with each other. In Armored units, the important and difficult 
stereo-vision tasks are done thru some type of visual aid, either telescopes, 
periscopes or field glasses. For that reason, depth perception was measured 
thru an optical device similar to the binocular visual aids commonly used by 
Armored personnel. The complete range of ability to correctly perceive in 
depth was not measured, but the poor men were eliminated. Table 10 shows the 
distribution of normal and poor men. The limiting score of 4 is roughly 
equivalent to an error of not more than distance between the two pegs in 
the Howard-Dollman test. Again there is a slight diminution in this eye func- 
tion with age, 3*7$ of the men in the 18-19 group are below acceptable standards 
and 4«7$ are low in the 35-39 age group. 
TABLE 10 
DEPTH PERCEPTION 
Depth Perception Score 
TOTAL 
6 
5 
4 
3 
2 
1 
No, Men 
7325 
844 
6a 
191 
70 
153 
9224 
% 
79.4 
9.1 
6.9 
2.1 
0,8 
1.7 
100,0 
g# Sitting Height - In Armored units the size of a man is important 
because in tanks the distance between the seat and the overhead hatch is 
limited, as is the distance from the exit pupil of the periscope to the roof. 
Insofar as possible, the newer vehicles are built with the sizes of the 
various parts of the crew in mind. Certain compromises have had to be made. 
The most important of these is sitting height. No American tank will properly 
accommodate men whose sitting height erect and without normal slump is in 
excess of 38”. Helmets, normal slump and seat adjustability have been taken 
into consideration in arriving at this value. The frequency distribution of 
the sitting heights of the 16th A. D. personnel are shown in Table 11 and in 
Charts 5 and 6. TABLE 11 
SITTING HEIGHT IN INCHES 
Up 
32" 
‘33" 
34" 
35" 
36" 
37" 
38" 
39" 
' 
, to 
to 
to 
to 
to 
to 
to 
to 
TOTAL 
32" 
32.75 
33o75 
34.75 
35.75 
36.75 
37.75 
38.75 
Up 
Ko. Men 
28 
86 
434 
1397 
2769 
2904 
1595 
450 
112 
9777 
A> 
0.3 
0.9 
4.4 
14.3 
28.U 
29.7 
16.3 
4.6 
1.1 
100,0 
h. Reaction Time - The hand-eye coordination reaction-time test out- 
lined in Appendix B is sound in theory because there are no tricks by which the 
test can be beaten. The falling object falls by gravity and the time required 
to stop it is a function of the nan. However, the apparatus as used proved to 
be inadequate, too crudely made and the procedure for doing the test was inade- 
quately standardized. For that reason, no analysis of the reaction time data 
has been made. Development of an adequate timer on correct principles is in 
progress. 
i. Color Vision - There are many procedures for measuring color 
vision, most of which attempt to determine whether a man has trichromatic 
(normal) vision or has the common dichromatism (partial color blindness) or 
the rarer monochromatism (complete color blindness). One might ask the 
question, "why measure color vision?" If it is important to the army, and it 
is, color vision ought to be measured in terms of the use to which is to be 
put. For example, a textile man in a Quartermaster depot who needs to pass 
on color samples needs a different type of color vision test than the man who 
is a reconnaissance scout. In an Armored division, color probably plays a 
role in all of those who must observe fire and/or hunt for enemy installations. 
Normally, in most theaters for most months of the year, he is hunting for 
objects at a distance which blend with the ground and foliage. The dominant 
colors at such distances fade into brown and gray. Contrast is low. Therefore,, 
if color vision plays a role, it would appear that a proper color test should, 
if possible, pick out those men who can detect small differences in color under 
such circumstances and certainly must weed out all of those who cannot pick up 
major differences in color; those to whom everything looks alike. 
(l) An effort was made to devise such a test without complete 
success. Eight bright, high contrast, major spectral colors were laid before 
each man and he was asked to name them. All but the completely color blind (and 
less intelligent ones of the partially color blind group) can do so. Partly 
color blind men usually have learned which is which even though they do not see 
color well. Men who could name the colors received a score of 2; those who 
could not received a score of 1, The men were then given eight pastels derived 
from the same base colors and asked to match them with the original eight. 
Partially color blind men, particularly those who have learned how to beat most 
tests, are unable to make the right matches because it cannot be done by in- 
tensity of shade differences alone. Those who were able to correctly match 
the pastels received a score of 3$ the others retained their original score of 
2. Those not so far eliminated were then given eight gray colors each made up 
of black and white plus a very little of the original colors. There was a blue gray, a red gray, etc. They were asked to match these vdth the pastels 
from which each was derived. Here the test broke down because the differences 
were too small for most men to detect. If the principle is sound, it will be 
possible to develop the right group of grays for this purpose. Table 12 shows 
the distribution of the scores achieved excluding the fourth group and weeds 
out the completely and partially color blind. Normal men make a score of 3> 
partially color blind men a score of 1 or 2 and completely color blind men a 
score of 1. 
TABU 12 
COLOR VISION 
SCORE 
3 '2 1 
TOTAL 
No. Men 
% 
8962 311 489 
91.8 3.2 5.0 
' 9763 
100.® 
21. Each of the above tests was scored on the score sheet (Appendix C) 
at the tast station. When all had been completed, a final scorer marked the 
M.C.F.T. score 1, 2, 3 or 4 as indicated paragraph 19. The score necessary 
on each individual test to achieve a final score of 1 (fit for any duty) are 
as follows: 
a, Visual acuity, 20/20 or better each eye without glasses* 
b* Vertical balance,'3 - 7 inclusive. 
c. 'Horizontal balance, 2-8 inclusive, 
d. Depth perception, 4 or more. 
e. Sitting height, 38" or less, 
fColor vision, 3 or more. 
22. The distribution of final scores in age groups by numbers of men 
and by percent of the whole group are shown in Table 13 and are plotted in 
7. 
TABLE 13 
M.C.P.T. SCORE 
AGS GROUP 
1 
2 
3 
4 
No Data 
TOTAL 
% y 
18 - 19 
1480 
761 
127 
7 
10 
2385 
24.4 
20-24 
1525 
785 
352 
13 
9 
2684 
27.5 
25 - 29 
1305 
806 
277 
9 
6 
2403 
24.6 
30 - 34 
813 
508 
199 
9 
2 
1531 
15.6 
35 - 39 
328 
228 
121 
6 
1 
684 
7.0 
40 Up 
24 
14 
35 
2 
1 
76 
0.8 
No Data 
9_ 
1 
3. 
0 
1 
... . 14 
0.1 
TOTAL * 
5484 
31Q3 
1114 
46 
30 
9777 
100.0 
56.0 
31.8 
11.4 
Q-.i , 
0,3 
100.00 23. Fifty-six percent (56$) of all the men in this division are poten- 
tially able to perform any combat task insofar as their physical status is 
concerned. Thirty-two percent (32$) have some minor physical defect which 
excludes them from certain key tasks„ These men are, however, potentially 
able to do all others. Twelve percent (12$) do not belong in a combat unit 
because, in terms of existing regulations, their defects are of such a nature 
that they ran never be taken overseas. It is obvious that combat training 
time should not be expended on these men. The figure of twelve percent (l2$) 
is similar to that found in the 12th a, D, and is also similar to the number 
eliminated for the same reasons from the 9th A, D.over a period of its first 
training year. The latter organization had no such test procedure and found 
these men only as they broke down during training0 
24 o The age factor is very important in determining the incidence of all 
types of defective men. Table 14 and Chart 8 are elaborations of Table 13 and show 
how the percent of useable personnel diminishes as the age rises. 
TABLE 14 
AGE 
GROUP 
Score 1 
PERCENT 
Score 2 
Score 3 & 4 
18 - 19 
62*0 
31.9 
6.1 
20-24 
56.8 
29.2 
14.0 
25 - 29 
54*2 
33.5 
12.3 
30 - 34 
53.0 
33.2 
13.8 
35 - 39 
48.0 
33.4 
18.6 
40 Dp 
31.6 
18.4 
50.0 
25. At Classification, an effort was made to use the information derived 
from this study as well as that normally employed. By comparing the military 
occuaptional specialty assignments v/ith the limiting K.C.P.T. scores for each, 
one can determine to what extent the data were used. Careful analysis of the 
key tasks (Table 1) shows that only 81 misassignments were made in this group 
of 3633 recommended assignments to those tasks. (97.8$ correct). On the basis 
of chance alone (presently used system) only 56$ would have been correctly 
assigned (Table 13). If there was a serious conflect between the physical 
evidence and that normally used. Classification was free to use the latter. 
Classification was not appreciably slowed by the use of this data, (Corrobor- 
ated by Captain Hinanle, Classification Officer, 12th A* D. and Captain Nelson, 
Classification Officer, 16th A, D. 
26, By a comparison of the specification number of civilian occupation 
with the recommended rrtilitary occupational specialty, it is possible to show 
the extent to which men were assigned to tasks in which they had had previous 
experience, -This figure is ?$.• It represents no incompetence upon the part 
of the Classification personnel because by comparing the civilian occupational 
specification numbers with the specialty specification numbers of an armored 
division table or organization, one finds that the likelihood of correct choice 
could not possibly have exceeded 14$ if no other factors played a role. 27. Summary 
a. A type of physical information has been presented which plays an 
important role in determining the ability of any given soldier to perform the 
task assigned with optimal efficiency. 
b. Some of the uses to which this information nay be put in initial 
unit assignment and military occupational specialty assignments by Classification 
have been outlined. 
c. The value of physical and physiological tests in conjunction with 
Classification both as a source of useful information and as a method of quickly 
weeding out those who will ultimately fail has been demonstrated. 
d. The feasibility of practical application of the ideas propounded 
has been demonstrated. 
e. The data have been presented in a form which makes it possible for 
any interested group to select its own acceptable limits in any category and still 
be sure that equitable distribution of manpower will result. 
(l) Table 15 summarizes within the limits defined the results of 
the nine test procedures on 9777 men from all corps areas and all walks of life 
in the summer of 1943> the second year of the war. 
TABLE 15 
SUMMARY OF 
DATA 
Percent 
Acceptable 
Not Acceptable 
Acceptable for 
All but 
in Combat 
All Tasks 
Key Tasks 
Organization 
Age 
74.^ 
24.4 
1.0 
Physical Status 
86.0 
8.8 
5.2 
Visual Acuity 
73.0 
27.0 
0.2 
Vertical Eye Balance 
96.0 
4.0 
0.0 
Horizontal Eye Balance 
95.6 
4o4 
0.0 
Depth Perception 
95.4 
4.6 
0.0 
Sitting Height 
94.3 
5.7 
0,0 
Color Vision 
91.8 
3.2 
5.0 
M.G.P.T. Score 
56.3 
31.8 
Uo9 
f. The weakness of the currently used classification procedure as 
applied by combat divisions, namely, lack of sufficient information upon which 
to make assignments, has been pointed out. 
g. A partial solution to that defect is offered. 
h. In the opinion of the Laboratory, the use of the proposed scheme 
will save training time and will result in a more efficient army. 
i. It is also believed that this type of information should be obtained by the units involved rather than from induction center physical examinations 
for two reasons; 
(l) Induction center physical examinations are done under pressure 
and error is unavoidable. Repeat examinations pick up most 
of those, errors. 
(2) Such examinations achieve their highest value when done for 
the purpose of describing the anatomical and physiological 
limits important to .the specific functions of the unit involved. 
Induction centers cannot consider all of the factors which are 
of concern to each arm and service. In general, the attached 
medical personnel is adequate to perform this task for each 
unit. 
j. This program does not attempt to define the specific capabilities 
of any man, it merely assures commanders that the quality of the material with 
which they have to work is the best available. It is negative preselection 
(See Par. 9> Appendix A) the purpose of which is to materially increase the 
effectiveness of selection and training. 
j. Any unit can use this procedure. All that is required is that the 
unit commander, surgeon and classification officer jointly analyze the primary 
functions of the unit in action. Having defined the key jobs necessary to ful- 
fill those functions, they can define the qualifications of men required to 
perform these tasks. It is then a simple matter for the surgeon to devise a 
physical testing program which will differentiate betv/een those who have and 
those who do not have the required qualifications. Those who do have these 
qualifications will not all be successful, but the best men for each key task 
are far more likely to be found in this group than in those vath anatomical 
and physiological limitations. The best infantrymen will not be found in the 
group with flat feet. CHART I 
DISTRIBUTION BY AGE 
9777 MEN, 16th A. D. 
CHART I EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND 
5610 MEN , 16 th A. D. 
CHART 2 
CHART 2 CHART 3 
PHYSICAL STATUS VS AGE 
9777 MEN, 16 th A. D. 
CHART 3 CHART 4 
PERCENTAGE DISTRIBUTION OF VISUAL ACUITY IN DIFFERENT AGE GROUPS 
18 - IS YEARS (2385 MEN) 
2 24 YEARS (2648 MEN 
25 2 9 YEARS (2403 MEN 
3 5 3 9 YEARS (684 ME N ) 
CHART 4 CHART 5 
FREQUENCY DISTRIBUTION 
OF SITTING HEIGHTS. 9758 MEN 
SITTING HEIGHT, INCHES 
CHART 5 SUMMATION DISTRIBUTION OF SITTING HEIGHTS, 9758 MEN 
CHART 6 CHART 7 
DISTRIBUTION OF M.C.PT SCORES IN 16 th A. D. 
CHART 7 RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN AGE AND M. C. R T. SCORE 
CHART 8 
CHART 8 APPENDIX B 
HEADQUARTERS 16XH ARMORED DIVISION 
Camp Chaffee, Arkansas 
6 November 1943 
STANDING OPERATING PROCEDURE 
for 
MEDICAL CORPS PRE-SELECTION TESTS 
- CONTENTS - 
SECTION I - Introduction and Scope 
II - Purpose 
III - Organization 
IV - Control 
V - Area and Housing 
VI - Testing Stations 
VII - Uniform 
VIII - Remarks 
EC - Recommendations 
X - Summary MEDICAL CORPS PRE-SELECTION TESTS 
Section I 
Introduction and Scope 
lo All fillers received by the loth Armored Division, Camp Chaffee, 
Arkansas, have undergone a series of test procedures known as the Medical 
Corps Pre-Selection Tests (MCPT). These tests originated and were adapted 
to Division use by the Armored Medical Research Laboratory, Fort Knox, 
Kentucky* The}/ are performed in conjunction vdth, and immediately preceding, 
personnel classification and assignment of the fillers* 
Section II 
Purpose 
1. The purpose of these tests is to weed out the physically unfit men 
before training begins, to find those men who need minor medical and dental 
attention, to aid the personnel classification officer in the selection of 
men for special jobs, and to keep men out of special key jobs who have 
anatomical limitations rendering them inefficient. 
Section III 
Organization 
1, Personnel for the Medical Corps Pre-Selection Tests consists of ten 
(10) Medical Officers, three (3) Dental Officers, four (4) Medical Administra- 
tive Officers, and fifty (50) Enlisted Men. This personnel was organized to 
supervise and operate the specified test stations, hereinafter enumerated, 
and to record the data on the MCPT forms carried by the examinee. This group 
can handle more than 1,000 men each eight (8) hours. 
Section IV 
Control 
1, These tests and the flow of men through the stations are expedited by 
a control group. (Personnel of the control group are not a part of the Medical 
Corps Pre-Selection Test group.) In tnis instance the Filler Reception personnel 
acted as the control group and their help and cooperation was essential to the 
efficiency and speed of the Test Group, The Control Group marched men in groups 
of twenty-five (25) fillers to the first test station (Station #1) where the 
typists initiated the test papers or forms. The group took control again at 
the "Assembly Station" (Station #12) after the test papers were handed to the 
"Graders". ( In Appendix A called "Final Scorers"). Section V 
Area and Housing 
!• Two barracks buildings of the one-story theatre of operations 
type, twenty (20) feet by one hundred (100) feet were used to house the 
actual tests. Adjacent buildings appropriately located in the Filler 
Reception area were chosen. Two additional barracks buildings, directly 
opposite, were used for stripping to shorts and shoes, under the supervision 
of the Control Group. 
Section VI 
Testing Stations 
1. Station #1 - Typist Station 
Personnel - six (6) typists 
Equipment - four (U) typewriters 
Space required - fifteen (15) feet (along length of building). 
a. At this station’the test papers or forms are initiated. The 
KCPT is prepared in duplicate, and the physical examination form, single copy, 
added as the third sheet. Headings on all three sheets are so arranged that 
two short carbon sheets facilitate simultaneous preparation in one typewriter. 
b. To expedite work at this station, the examinees form four lines 
on entering the building and approach the typewriters which are so arranged 
across the building that there is an aisle between the typewriters. The six 
typists rotate at the four typewriters so as to avoid fatigue and its conse- 
quent errors. 
2. Station #2 - Dental Survey Station 
Personnel - three (3) Dental Officers 
two (2) Dental Assistants 
Equipment - two (2) flashlights 
tongue depressors 
Space required - ten (10) feet. 
a. Here dental classification is determined by the Dental Officers 
and recorded on the physical examination form (3rd sheet) in the approximate 
space. Two dentists are employed continuously with one reserve and/or relief. 
Two recorders are employed who also check names against a submitted roster to 
make sure no one has been missed. Acutely sick dental emergencies may be 
hospitalized directly from this' station if necessary. b. It should be mentioned here that Unit Dental Rosters (Dental 
Classification) were prepared at the end of classification, after unit 
assignment is added to the MCPT papers, by two dental assistants assigned 
to this detail (See Station #13). The rosters, so prepared, are, of course 
not in alphabetical order. 
3. Station #3 - Visual Acuity Station 
Personnel - six (6) projectionists 
six (6) recorders 
one (l) officer in charge (MC or MAC) 
Equipment - six (6) projectoscopes, complete with screens 
six (6) cardboard discs (for covering one eye) 
Space required - twenty-five (25) feet. 
a. Six projectoscopes were in operation at this station. Results 
of the test were recorded in the conventional manner (e.g, OD 20/20 - OS 
20/20), on the physical examination form, while the appropriate number repre- 
senting the score was encircled on the MCPT forms. 
j 4, Station #4 - Undressing Station 
Personnel - one (l) enlisted man, guide and control 
Equipment - two (2) benches, ten (10) feet long 
Space required - Approximately twelve (12) feet 
a. Here the men are instructed to remove shorts and shoes and the 
guide directs them to an available medical examiner. Shorts and shoes are 
taken with them and deposited at the examining station to avoid any walking 
against traffic. 
5. Station #5 - Physical Examination Station 
Personnel - five (5) Medical Officers, examiners 
five (5) recorders 
Equipment - one (l) stethescope per officer 
Space required - twenty-five (25) feet 
a. Here a general superficial physical examination is conducted on 
each man. This examination includes: (l) head and neck, (2) thorax, heart, 
and lungs, (3) abdomen, genitalia, and rectum, and (4) extremities. Each 
examinee is completed by a single Medical Officer, i.e. one medical examiner completes all elements of the examination on a single individual. 
b. The acutely ill and cases of primary and secondary syphilis, 
if not detected at the initial physical inspection on arrival, are hospital- 
ized immediately from this station. Gonorrhea cases are not excluded but 
duty status treatment is instituted when detected. 
c. Results of the physical examination, with appropriate notes, 
are recorded on the physical examination form. The examiner converts his 
findings into a Physical Status Number which he enters in the appropriate 
space on both MCPT forms. 
d. Physical examiners were placed four on either side of the build- 
ing so that each had approximately six feet of space. 
6. Station #6 - Dressing Station 
Personnel - one (l) enlisted guide 
Equipment - two (2) benches ten (10) feet long 
Space required - approximately twelve (12) feet 
a. At this station men replace shorts and shoes before leaving the 
first building. This guide also has charge of the venereal disease list, started 
by the Medical Officer first inspecting new arrivals. New cases picked up at 
this examination are added to the list. These are reported to unit surgeons 
after assignments are made by classification. 
7. Station #7 - Depth Perception Station 
Personnel - one (l) MC or MAC Officer supervises Station #7 
and Station #8 
Six (6) enlisted men operate and record 
Equipment Six (6) Keystone eye test machines 
Space required - twenty (20) feet 
a. Here the eye examination is continued. By means of the Keystone 
Eye-Test Apparatus, determination of the horizontal eye balance, vertical eye 
balance, and depth perception is accomplished. 
b. Six machines are arranged in a rough rectangle with six opera- 
tors who do their own recording. Appropriate numbers encircled on the MCPT 
forms indicate the result. 6, Station #8 - Color Vision Station 
Personnel - four (4) enlisted men, testing and recording 
Equipment - colored yarn sets (4) 
Space required - ten (10) feet 
a. Color vision was determined by the use of colored yard sets. The 
examination consisted of two parts: first, naming the standard colors, and 
second, matching lighter shades of the same colors. Grades were recorded on 
both 1£CPT forms 0 
9. Station #9 - Sitting Height Station 
Personnel - two (2) enlisted men, sitting height operators 
two (2) enlisted men, recorders 
Equipment - two (2) sitting height apparatus 
Space required - ten (10) feet 
a. Sitting height was determined in inches and fractions thereof 
and recorded on both MCPT forms. 
10, Station #10 - Reaction Time Station 
Personnel - three (3) operators, reaction time 
three (3) recorders 
Equipment - three (3) apparatus, reaction time 
Space required - fifteen (15) feet 
a. The more or less standard apparatus wherein the examinee stops 
a falling board with a spike-tipped broomstick was used. The fall of the board, 
measured in inches, is the resulting score and is recorded on both MCPT formsc 
b. This "reaction time” apparatus requires constant repair and 
attention since so many factors affect the scoring. The board release should 
not be visible to the examinee. "Drop boards'1 wear out rapidly and if the 
machines themselves are not identical, these boards are not interchangeable, 
A set, or a supply of boards should be prepared for each machine and made so 
that the lower end of the drop board extends below the platform. The zero 
line should be flush with the upper surface of the platform when the board is 
at rest, and the three drop indicator lines should coincide on the frame and 
board. The drop indicator lines are three in number, a white line, a black 
line, and a white line, extending across the frame and drop board at eye level. 
Each of the three lines should be the same width. The examinee's eyes are 
directed at these lines and from the breaking of them the reaction time is measured. Recommend development of a new and much more precise instrument for 
this test. , 
c, The spiked sticks should be of standard size (broomstick size) 
and spikes should be strong and kept sharp. The required excursion of the spike 
in stopping the board, is 4 inches. It should be remembered that the spike is 
anywhere from one-half to one inch above the zero mark, varying with the diameter 
of the broomstick, when the board is at rest. 
11. Station #11 - Grading Station 
Personnel - three (3) Medical Officers, graders 
three (3) enlisted men, paper sorters 
two (2) enlisted men, messengers 
Equipment - two (2) staplers 
Space required - fifteen (15) feet 
a. At this station the three forms are handed by the examinee to 
one of three scorers or graders (Medical Officers), who determine the final 
score by correlating individual test scores with the Physical Status Number♦ 
The final score, the MCPT score, is recorded by encircling the appropriate 
number on both MCPT forms. 
b. Here the papers are stapled together with the original MCPT form 
on 1t>p, the physical examination form on the back. 
c. When two groups of twenty five each are completed and in the 
assembly station (Station #12), the fifty papers are handed to the control 
officer in charge of the group. He accompanies the group with the papers to 
Personnel Classification where the papers are again handed to the individual 
soldier who relinquishes it to the personnel officer when his name is called. 
It then accompanies his Form #20 through Personnel Classification. 
d. Medical Officers at the grading table may also tabulate pertinent 
information for the Commanding General as requested, i.e. they may be asked to 
tabulate the number of potential CDD men from each Reception Center, or by 
state, and secondly, they may tabulate the number of superior men (Physical 
Status Number 8) by Reception Center or State, etc. 
e. Fundamentally, the work of grading requires some knowledge of 
11 spec" numbers and personnel classification. 
12. Station #12 - Assembly Station 
Personnel - One (l) enlisted man, guide and control 
Equipment - benches 
Space required - approximately twenty-five (25) feet. a. This is the assembly station. Here space is required here than 
at the first station because there are times when parts of one group bypass 
the group ahead. This may happen when certain examinees require additional 
time to comprehend a technical test or require extra study at the physical 
examination station. 
13. Station #13 - Dental Survey Rosters 
Personnel - two (2) enlisted men 
Equipment - two (2) tables for Dental Survey forms 
Space - Located in Personnel Classification Building. 
a. This may be an optional station, and is considered a part of 
MCPT because it tabulates information obtained through this procedure. This 
station is in the classification building. 
b. At this station, dental assistants receive the MCPT forms from 
Personnel Classification. They first check the MCPT forms to make sure that 
classification has checked all grade indications (AQC, Code Aptitude, etc.) 
civilian occupation and recommended MOS as well as unit assignment on both , 
MCPT forms. Next, they write the soldier’s name, serial number, and indicated 
dental classification on the proper unit roster. 
Section VII 
Uniform 
1. Fillers reported to the first test station dressed in shorts and 
shoes only. This is considered maximum attire if speed and efficiency is to 
be determined. Even with some variation in climatic conditions, there was no 
complaints or deleterious effects noted from this requisite. Temperature 
inside was maintained at about 7S°F. 
Section VIII 
Remarks 
1. With personnel trained and familiar with their work and arranged as 
outlined above, the output from the test was three hundred per hour with no 
attempt to hurry or feeling of hurrying on the part of any individual. This, 
however, is the maximum output of the projectoscopes and the Keystone machines 
and probably could not be increased by the simple addition of personnel. 
Besides, it is not felt that this rate of flow is necessary for ordinary pur- 
poses. (Classification flow rate normally only 150 per hour). 
a. Of all the changes made since the original set-up, the addition 
of the fourth typewriter caused the most spectacular change in the output, 
besides taking considerable pressure off the typists. Section IX 
Recommendations 
1. The following recommendations have been submitted: 
a. Medical officers assigned to physical examinations should be 
officers who have had some experience with a tactical unit. They should be 
able to recognize men who will not be able to go through the training period 
and field exercises. New siedical officers do not readily recognize the poten- 
tial CDD cases. 
b. Believe some adjustment and change should be made in the defini- 
tions of the physical status numbers (physical examination form). While the 
present numbers are ideal, reclassification is not possible. When a man is 
hospitalized (physical status number 2) his papers usually go no further than 
the Physical Examination Station. The Physical Status Number of M4M, indi- 
cating need for,.minor medical and dental care, has some ramifications. First, 
can he go through Basic Training before having the medical or dental treatment 
or not. Secondly, is there better than an even chance of passing a Fort of 
Embarkation examination after the treatment is completed. Third, in actual 
practice no dental abnormality alone, will justify an MCPT score lower than "I”, 
c. It is recommended tha Station #13, Dental Survey Roster, be made 
a part of the MCPT and located in the classification building. Further, that 
a medical corps officer familiar with the whole MCPT program be in charge. He 
would not only check completeness of papers as to information added by classi- 
fication personnel but would also be available to the personnel officer for 
answering questions arising in connection with certain MCPT grading. 
Section X 
Summary 
1, During the period 21 October 1943 to 2 November 1943, fifty-seven 
hundred (5700) filler replacements were received and processed through Medical 
Corps Pre-Selection Tests by this Division, 
2. During the same period, approximately fourteen hundred (1400) division 
troops, not previously tested, were processed by the same organization. 
3. Approximatley fifty (50) hours, working time, was required for proces- 
sing these men„ 
4. Seventy-five (75) men, of the filler replacements, were classified as 
potential CDD cases. HEADQUARTERS 16th ARMORED DIVISION 
Camp Chaffee, Arkansas 
Schedule of Filler Processing 
by 
Medical Corps Pre-Selection Tests 
DATS 
DAILY TOTAL PROCESSED 
AGGREGATE TOTAL 
21 Oct 43 
700 Division troops 
* 
700 
22 Oct 43 
500 Division troops 
1200 
22 Oct 43 
256 Filler replacements 1456 
23 Oct 43 
1082 
* H 
2538 
24 Oct 43 
162 
tt It 
2700 
25 Oct 43 
458 
It It 
3158 
26#Oct 43 
401 
II 11 
3559 
27 Oct 43 
792 
II 11 
4351 
28 Oct 43 
936 
It It 
5287 
29 Oct 43 
0 
II II 
5287 
30 Oct 43 
1068 
II II 
6355 
31 Oct 43 
472 
II tt 
6027 
1 Nov 43 
59 
II II 
6886 
2 Nov 43 
3 
n 11 
6889 
2 Nov 43 
200 Division troops 
7089 FILLER RECEPTION AREA BENCHES 
STATION No, 6 
PHYSICAL 
EXAMINATIONS 
STATION No. 5 
BENCHES 
STATION No. 4 
VISUAL OCUITY 
PROJECTOSCOPES 
STATION No, 3 
DENTISTS 
STATION No. 2 
TYPISTS 
STATION No. I 
BUILDING No I KEYSTONES 
STATION No. 7 
COLOR VISION 
STATION No. 8 
SITTING HEIGHT 
STATION No. 9 
REACTION TIME 
STATION No. 10 
GRADERS 
STATION No. II 
ASSEMBLY STATION 
BENCHES 
STATION No. 12 
BUILDING No. 2 APPENDIX. C 
MCPST 
Name - 
Serial Number 1-8 Last 9-29 First Middle 
Age ___ Number years in school Physical status - 
30-31 32-33 34 
Visual Acuity - Circle the number below the proper acuity reading for each eye, 
(without glasses) 
20/10 20/15 20/20 20/30 20/40 20/50 20/70 20/100 20/200 
Right eye 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 35- 
Left eye 1 j 2 3 4 5678 9 36- 
Note: If man wears glasses and has full correction to 20/20 each eye, place check 
( V) here 
Eye Balance - Circle the proper number below. 
Horizontal 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 & 9 37- 
Vertical 123456789 38- 
Depth Perception - Circle the number indicating score. 
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 39- 
Sitting Height - Record height to the nearest 1/4 inch 40-42- 
Inches l/4ths 
Reaction Time - Record to nearest l/4 inch 43-45- 
Inchesl/4ths 
Color Vision - Write score (1, 2, 3 or 4) in box to right | | 46- 
MCPST Score (Circle proper number) 1 234 68- 
1 - Class A - Fit for any duty. 
2 - Class A, - Fit for all but specified duties. 
3 - Class B1 - Reclassify for limited service. 
4 - Class C - Recommend CoDoDo 
duties man cannot do __ 
Army Gen'l Classif. (Circle proper figure) I II III IV V 69- 
Mechanical Aptitude (Circle proper figure) I II III IV V 70- 
Clerical Aptitude (Circle proper figure) I II III IV V 71- 
Code Aptitude (Circle proper figure) I II III IV V 72- 
Main Civilian occupation Spec. Noe 
73-77 
Recommended Military Occupational Speciality 
78-80 
Note: If man has MCPST Score of 1, physical status score of 7 or more, an A.G.C, 
score of II or more, and a code aptitude of III or better, recommend him 
for Tank Commander - 795o There will be enough such men in the division 
to fill the required quota.