Use of the Multipurpose Arcade Combat Simulator to Sustain Rifle Marksmanship in the Reserve Component
Abstract
This research sought to determine whether MACS training can effectively sustain rifle marksmanship skill, and, if so, identify the amount and schedule of training that procedure maximum payoff within the Reserve Component setting. Questionnaire responses revealed that 93% of the soldiers in the experimental groups thought that MACS training would improve their marksmanship performance, 98% enjoyed the training, and 96% would practice with MACS if it were available at their local armory. Although findings suggest that MACS training was ineffective in promoting the sustainment of rifle marksmanship skills, this conclusion must remain only tentative because in most cases the null hypothesis was not rejected. Thus, factors other than the ineffectiveness of the training device must be considered as possible contributors to the lack of statistically significant results. Such factors include inherent weapon variability, small sample sizes, insufficient MACS training, a too-lengthy, no- practice interval between the last MACS practice sessions and postrecord firing, and the need for an instructor during MACS practice sessions to ensure effective feedback. Future research is suggested to account for the potential contributions of these factors.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Sep 01, 1987
- Accession Number
- ADA190911
Entities
People
- Joseph D. Hagman