Summary of Findings for Initial Task Identification for Military Operations in Urban Terrain (MOUT)
Abstract
Demographic and geopolitical trends make it certain that urban settings will be the sites of military conflicts more often in the future than in the past. Sixteen subject matter experts (SMEs) identified 46 physically demanding tasks for military operations in urban terrain (MOUT). Tasks were rated for level of physical demand, importance, and frequency of performance. Cluster analysis of the average SME ratings identified three clusters. One cluster consisted of tasks with high ratings on all three scales. A second cluster consisted of tasks with high physical demand ratings, but moderate frequency and importance ratings. The third cluster consisted of tasks with low importance and low frequency ratings. Tasks in the first cluster were used to describe physical ability requirements in MOUT because these tasks appeared the most likely to be points of performance failures. These tasks primarily involve the movement of personnel and supplies through windows and up and down stairs. MOUT physical conditioning programs should focus on upper and lower body muscle strength and endurance, particularly bursts of power lasting I 0-20 seconds. Normal preparations for the Physical Fitness Test should provide adequate aerobic capacity. Training on obstacle courses may be useful for developing the required strength and muscle endurance.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Nov 17, 1999
- Accession Number
- ADA420682
Entities
People
- James A. Hodgdon
- Ross R. Vickers
Organizations
- Naval Health Research Center