What Meyers-Briggs personality type is best suited for military service?

Question

I would guess ESTJ, but im not sure. I am INTP, and I think the I and the P are big liabilities sometimes.

I would guess ESTJ, but im not sure. I am INTP, and I think the I and the P are big liabilities sometimes.

To clarify, I am currently in the military. Im trying to figure out if its something I should stick with or just separate honorably and get on with my life.

Iraq51:

I have been in for 3 years and I work in the data networking field. I am an NCO right now, so the bit about leadership is important to me. I must admit I am a follower at heart. I have been to Iraq and back, and I know that if i stay in I will probably go somewhere sometime. In Iraq i was a non-rate, so I didnt have to worry about making desicions much.

Perhaps you can answer this follow up question: Can someone with a certain personality type be able to break out and act in a different way with any sort of consistient effectiveness?

Answer 1

I am going to assume you are asking about the Myers-Briggs personality type analysis. I went back and reviewed the types since it has been awhile since I had a need to use this information. I narrowed it down to between ISTJ and ESTJ as they both have key traits that would be helpful in a soldier. I served as a commissioned officer in the Field Artillery years ago and my graduate thesis (I attended grad school during my time on active duty...when time premitted) was on Comparative Leadership Styles on Company Level Combat Units. This where I first came into contact with M-B traits.
I agree that ESTP is the preferred trait for a service member; especially if you decide to stay in the service and obtain leadership or command responsibilities. For me the deciding factor of selecting ESTJ vs. ISTJ is the analysis of the temperament. Although both personalities are classified as Epimethean, a detailed review of the specifics reveals that ISTJ types have a "need to belong" where the ESTJ types have a "sense of belonging". While the difference may seem minor, having commanded men in the service, "belonging" makes you a part of the group where a "sense of...." still places you on the outside; if only a little. In times of stress the ESTJ will take command and decide what needs to be done. The ISTJ will withdraw to a place of isolation to think and analyize before taking action. While assigned to garrision duty and not in the field, this may work well. But we have 120,000 troops with boots on the ground in Iraq and I imagine they want their officers and NCOs to be decision makers. Owlron, I would be interested in how long you have been in the military and your duty assignment/MOS. As an INTP my opinion (an this entire answer is just my opinion) is that you'll do fine in the service and perhaps you might look at military intelligence, medical corp, finance or QM to take advantage of your traits.
Good luck.

Answer 2

I'd agree with ESTJ and would also say ENTJ would be very effective especially as a military leader. If you are INTP it does not mean you cannot be suitable for military service. Once you make it through boot camp, you would be an excellent choice for a military career that involves logic and strategy as a skill set. That is certainly needed in the military!

Answer 3

The INTJ, because is
insightful, conceptual, and creative

rational, detached, and objectively critical

likely to have a clear vision of future possibilities

apt to enjoy complex challenges

likely to value knowledge and competence

apt to apply high standards to themselves and others

independent, trusting their own judgments and perceptions more than those of others

seen by others as reserved and hard to know
Se in
http://skepdic.com/myersb.html