The Effects of Tank Crew Turbulence on Tank Gunnery Performance
Abstract
This research, by the Army Research Institute Field Unit at Fort Knox, KY., sought specific data on the relationship of tank crew turbulence to performance. In Phase 1, a questionnaire developed to measure and evaluate existing crew turbulence was administered to crews of five armor battalions during tank gunnery training. Responses from 211 crews were correlated with gunnery qualification Table 8 scores to determine the relationship between various crew turbulence variables and gunnery performance. Phase 2 investigated, with four groups of 11 crews each, the effects of artificially created crew turbulence on Table 8 performance. Complete crews who had just completed Table 8 for record comprised the Control Group. In the second group (Unfamiliar Crews), crewmen were assigned to different crews and different M60A1 tanks. In the third group (Unfamiliar Crews and Positions), gunners acted as tank commanders and loaders acted as gunners, assigned to different crews and tanks as in Group 2. In the fourth group (Non-Armor Replacements), non-armor personnel who had received 3 days of special training acted as gunners and loaders. Results showed considerable turbulence existed. Complete crews had been together typically 1-2 months, tank commander/gunner pairs 1-3 months. Typical tank commanders had held their positions 12-42 months, gunners 5-12 months, drivers 5-9 months, and loaders 2-6 months. Great variation in times existed.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Sep 01, 1978
- Accession Number
- ADA061178
Entities
People
- Janet F. Neff
- Newell K. Eaton
Organizations
- U.S. Army Research Institute for the Behavioral and Social Sciences