To aid the commander in determining personnel reliability, what is the best indicator of an individual?

The best indicator of an individual's reliability in the context of personnel decisions is often considered to be their past performance. This is due to the fact that past behavior and performance are strong predictors of future behavior. An individual’s history provides insight into their ability to meet responsibilities, handle stress, and work well within the team framework.

While current performance reviews can highlight recent behavior and supervisor recommendations may carry weight due to the relationship and understanding between a supervisor and an employee, past performance encompasses a broader spectrum of an individual's reliability and consistency over time. It indicates how the individual has handled previous situations, thus giving the commander a reliable basis for evaluating their suitability for sensitive positions or tasks, especially in the munitions field where personnel reliability is critical.

Peer evaluations provide another viewpoint but can be influenced by personal biases and relationships. Therefore, focusing on a comprehensive record of past performance provides a more objective and reliable assessment of an individual's capability and trustworthiness.