Battlefield Realism: The Impact of Opposing Force (OPFOR) on Friendly Force Task Performance with Implications for the National Training Center. Volume I. Discussions and Findings

Abstract

The main objective of the research was to determine if any US job tasks needed to be modified or changed as a result of the manner in which the OPFOR (Threat) operated. It was reasoned that new training objectives specifically designed to counter the OPFOR would be needed only in those job areas where job behavior resulting from past training was ineffective in dealing with the OPFOR (Threat). Two field exercises were selected for study in which well-trained OPFOR groups employing realistic Soviet doctrine and tactics participated. Structured inter-views and questionnaires were developed and interviews with participants were conducted. Some of the major findings were: (a) US Force must learn to do their tasks faster and with fewer errors; there are no second chances, (b) significant changes in job content were not required, but improvement of existing skills are, (c) intensive and repetitive training against OPFOR tactics is the only way to be prepared, (d) Home Station Training (HST) will play a major role in preparing units to beat the OPFOR. Without a realistic OPFOR in HST, US units may find the National Training Center a painful experience.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Feb 01, 1981
Accession Number
ADA129638

Entities

People

  • Norman D. Smith
  • William L. Warnick

Organizations

  • Human Resources Research Organization

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Human Systems
  • Weapons Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Armored Personnel Carriers
  • Army Personnel
  • Combat Operations
  • Doctrine
  • Electronic Warfare
  • Lessons Learned
  • Military Organizations
  • Military Science
  • Military Training
  • Psychology
  • Reliability
  • Second World War
  • Social Sciences
  • Systems Engineering
  • Task Performance And Analysis
  • Test And Evaluation
  • Warfare

Readers

  • Educational Psychology
  • Instructional Design and Training Evaluation.
  • Military Training and Readiness Simulation