Toward a Methodology for Evaluating the Impact of Technologies on Infantry Situation Awareness
Abstract
One of the key force modernisation initiatives for infantry operations is to enhance situation awareness (SA) capabilities. The design and acquisition of technologies that optimise the performance of the combat soldier must therefore be guided by the goal of enhancing and maintaining SA. Determining the value of these technologies requires a means of objectively evaluating a combat soldier's SA. In this study, the impact of Intra-Section Radios, which form part of the Soldier Combat System (SCS) enhancements, on SA was evaluated. The Situation Awareness Global Assessment Technique (SAGAT) provides an objective measure of SA by comparing the real and perceived situation. In this study, the Direct Questioning Technique (DQT), an adapted version of the SAGAT was used to evaluate changes in SA under baseline and enhanced conditions during two loosely scripted exercises involving Australian Air Field Defence Guards. Results showed a significant increase in overall group SA during the enhanced patrol vignette. No significant results were found for the section attack vignette. The DQT appears to be a valid and viable methodology that can be used in the evaluation of specific SCS technologies.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Oct 01, 2004
- Accession Number
- ADA433839
Entities
People
- Han T. French
- Madeleine C. Guille
Organizations
- Defence Science and Technology Group