Evaluating the Effectiveness of Soldier's Manuals: A Field Study
Abstract
Since 1976, the U.S. Army has been preparing and distributing to each individual soldier a series of documents called Soldier's Manuals (SMs) which describe all the tasks that are critical to the successful performance of his or her duties in his or her MOS and skill level. This two-year study was designed to provide those who prepare SMs with information on how they are being used, factors that influence use or disuse and the relationship between SM usage and the soldier's ability to perform his or her job skills, as measured by SQT scores. Questionnaire data were obtained from 1,224 soldiers in CONUS and USAREUR from 25 combat and noncombat MOS. Patterns of reported usage were examined and characteristics of the documents themselves were analyzed. SQT scores were related to usage factors to see to what extent they were correlated. Finally, senior level interviews were used to obtain insights into ways the SM is functioning as part of the larger EPMS. Recommendations are made relating to the physical characteristics of the SM, the preparation, contents, and format of the SM, and the general climate of support for SM use.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Feb 01, 1981
- Accession Number
- ADA130928
Entities
People
- Andrew M. Rose
- George R. Wheaton
- Harris H. Shettel
- Melvin A. Barba
- Stanley F. Bolin
Organizations
- American Institutes for Research