Soldier Perceptions of the Rapid Decision Trainer
Abstract
This report describes the approach and results of a preliminary evaluation of the Rapid Decision Trainer (RDT), a personal computer-based simulation developed for use by the Infantry Officer Basic Course (IOBO) at Fort Benning, Georgia. The objective of the RDT was to provide each lieutenant with the opportunity to serve as platoon leader while executing a simulated attack mission in preparation for a platoon live-fire exercise. Nineteen lieutenants enrolled in the IOBO were assigned to train with the RDT in one large group. Twenty other lieutenants trained in two-man buddy-teams. After executing the RDT mission, lieutenants in both training conditions participated in an after-action review with a senior instructor. A questionnaire administered to the lieutenants documented their perceptions and opinions of RDT training value, their motivations for training with the RDT, their sense of personal involvement in the simulated mission, and the adequacy of the realism portrayed in the simulation. Following the RDT training, the lieutenants participated in a live-fire exercise. A second questionnaire was administered subsequent to the live-fire exercise after-action review. Regardless of which RDT training condition the lieutenants were in, they endorsed the use of the RDT for the IOBO. They indicated the RDT had training value, they were motivated and involved during the simulated mission, and the realism of simulated battlefield events and actions was adequate for training. The results highlighted a number of issues that were described and will be investigated in future training research for desktop simulations and game-based technologies.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 01, 2005
- Accession Number
- ADA436993
Entities
People
- Richard E. Christ
- Scott A. Beal
Organizations
- U.S. Army Research Institute for the Behavioral and Social Sciences