Developing an Observational Instrument to Measure Character Strengths during Military Field Exercises

Abstract

Problem statement: Serving as an officer in international military operations is often demanding, and requires that the officer has a well-developed character. Character and character strength are difficult concepts to measure objectively. The most common method for measuring character strengths is with a rating instrument called VIA-IS (Peterson & Seligman, 2004). It employs subjective self-rating measures which may not reflect the character strengths actually displayed in difficult and particularly stressful situations. Observer-based measures of character strength are not yet developed in the research literature. Purpose of study: To design an observer-based instrument to measure vital character strengths during military field exercises at the Norwegian Military Academy (NMA). Method: 12 previously-determined character strengths required for succeeding as a military officer were introduced to participants in a workshop of experienced military officers with expertise in infantry disciplines. The purpose of the workshop was to construct observable measures of the 12 character strengths to assess military cadets during combat field exercises. The workshop participants developed several observable measures for each of the 12 character strengths. Conclusion: The observable measures developed form the basis for an observational instrument to measure character strengths during military field exercises.