Setting the Conditions for Success: A Case Study Involving the Selection Process for the Canadian Forces Snowbird Demonstration Team

Abstract

This case study investigated the selection process of a high-performance military team and explored potential implications for sport through an organizational psychology perspective. An instrumental case study was undertaken, comprising an observational visit and semistructured interviews with candidate (n = 3) and veteran (n = 2) pilots. Thematic analysis uncovered a range of strategies utilized for the selection of ideal candidates (e.g., flight briefings, systematic flight progressions, mentorship, traditional events), and these are described in relation to candidate and veteran perceptions and are contextualized with regards to candidate motivation for membership and the broader team environment. A number of identified concepts have relevance to sport and are discussed in relation to both theory and practice.