Military Cognitive Performance and Readiness Assessment Initiative: Final Report
Abstract
This report summarizes the findings and recommendations of the Cognitive Performance and Readiness Assessment Initiative Working Group, which was convened to provide recommendations for a synchronized approach for assessment of cognitive performance and readiness within military training and operational environments. Information regarding assessment practices, research findings and needs were collected from subject matter experts across the Department of Defense (DoD) and from a comprehensive review of the research literature. Analysis of information obtained through these sources revealed four key gaps in current cognitive assessment capabilities. These gaps include i) a lack of empirical evidence linking performance on cognitive assessments to military-relevant performance standards coupled with a poor understanding of the cognitively-demanding elements of military job requirements and related tasks and standards, ii) a lack of cognitive tools and metrics with adequate sensitivity, specificity and ecological validity to predict or detect changes in military task performance before operationally meaningful degradation occurs, iii) a lack of sufficient/effective coordination of communications regarding cognitive performance assessment among DoD researchers and collaborators, and iv) a need for improved coordination of communications between the DoD research and operational communities. It is likely that these gaps have contributed to limited progress in providing effective, targeted solutions to military leaders and service members (SMs) to sustain and enhance cognitive health and performance within military training and operational environments. Recommendations for a Research Roadmap (or Program of Research) to facilitate a coordinated, state-of-the-art approach for cognitive function assessment and prediction of SM performance within real-world military training and operational settings are discussed.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Nov 30, 2017
- Accession Number
- AD1053085
Entities
People
- Amanda Kelley
- Carl D Smith
- Edward N. Edens
- Harris R Lieberman
- Kristin J. Heaton
- Philip J. Quartana
- Susan P. Proctor
- Thomas J Balkin
- Tracy J. Doty
- Vincent Capaldi
Organizations
- United States Army Research Institute of Environmental Medicine