Army Green: Training Non-Tactical Problem Solving by Platoon Leaders
Abstract
Platoon leaders (PL) are often required to resolve non-tactical problems on which they have received little to no formal training. Many of these non-tactical problems are atypical, undocumented, and require judgmental resolution by PLs with limited experience as they take command of their first platoon. In addition, the unpredictable nature of military operations including non-tactical situations requires PLs to repeatedly adapt their thinking to resolve unfamiliar, and sometimes unforeseeable, problems and concerns. Therefore, the 16th Cavalry Regimental Commander requested Technical Advisory Service to develop non-tactical training for new PLs. In response, methods for theme-based training used to train adaptive thinking in tactical situations from the Think Like a Commander (TLAC) program were adapted for non-tactical situations and the development of a training program called Army Green. Through a series of interviews and surveys, 231 captains and lieutenants (LT) identified values, problems, and situations relevant to the non-tactical issues that confront PLs. As a result, 10 themes and 10 problem-laden vignettes along with expert solutions were developed for Army Green. An Army Green training assessment with 12 LTs resulted in promising, but preliminary findings that indicated a few hours of theme-based discussion of problems embedded in non-tactical vignettes improved LTs' responses to subsequent problems. The report concludes with a brief set of recommendations to help refine and implement Army Green training.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jul 01, 2006
- Accession Number
- ADA454772
Entities
People
- Angela I. Karrasch
- Robin K. Hinkle
- Thomas J. Burke
Organizations
- U.S. Army Research Institute for the Behavioral and Social Sciences