Identifying Conceptual Skills of Future Battle Commanders
Abstract
This research was conducted to support the U.S. Army Research Institute-Fort Leavenworth Research Unit's ongoing DEVCOM program (Developing Commanders for the Future Battlefield). Specifically, this research was designed to supplement previous work done in the development of battle commanders' conceptual thinking (Fallesen, in preparation). The overall goal of this research was to identify, organize, and clarify examples of the conceptual skills that are important to the development of future battle commanders. Three data collections helped to develop a conceptual skills model called the S(3) (Situation Understanding, Simulation, Self regulation). The S(3) Model helped to filter previous lists by separating task specific Conceptual Skills ("what to think") from those conceptual skills centered on general aspects of thinking ("how to think"). Of all the data collected, the most useful information was found by considering the inconsistencies between importance ratings and personal,historical examples. Inconsistencies were found where officers would rate non-traditional conceptual skills low on importance, yet they would provide an example of where possessing such a skill was essential. In general, officers were unfamiliar with conceptual skills that are directly represented in tactical decision making procedures or the estimate of the situation.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 01, 2000
- Accession Number
- ADA374875
Entities
People
- Jon J. Fallesen
- Shawn A. Noble
Organizations
- U.S. Army Research Institute for the Behavioral and Social Sciences