When we select who will enter one of our officer programs, USNA, NROTC, or OCS, one of the first thing that comes to mind are those things easiest to get and make metrics out of; GPA and standardized test scores. For the profession of arms, are they really what we are looking for?

Kudos to the Army, they are thinking about something harder to measure – but as we’ve all seen in the fleet – is without question one of the essential things; grit.

Via Jorge Fitz-Gibbon at NYPost,

A new study of more than 11,000 West Point cadets over 10 years found that “grit” was the most important trait for success — beating out brains and brawn.
Researchers — who defined “grit” as “passion and perseverance for long-term goals of personal significance”

It is also something Sailors can see faster than anyone else, and will judge their leaders by accordingly.

“Cognitive and physical abilities each enable progress toward goals in their respective domains,” the study said. “In contrast, grit seems to enable individuals to keep going when the going gets tough.”

As my liberty buddy (a SEAL) in the late 90s told me; “Great physical conditioning isn’t the most important thing in being able to get your Trident. Lots of incredibly fit guys can’t make it but a few days. What is important is just not willing to quit.”

Grit.

While strength and brain power all contributed to helping the 81 percent of West Point cadets who ultimately graduated from the school, the study found that “grit” proved to be the most significant factor.
“The experience and experience you have as a child — in school and in your formative years — are instrumental in developing this ‘never say die never quit’ attitude,” Michael Matthews, who co-authored the study, told the science and technology news website Inverse.

What, if any, indicators are reliable in predicting grit? Can you do that effectively, or is it better simply to create situations where it is revealed or required to succeed – then cull? Both?