Assessment of Two Desk-Top Computer Simulations Used to Train Tactical Decision Making (TDM) of Small Unit Infantry Leaders
Abstract
Fifty-two leaders in the Basic Non-Commissioned Officer Course (BNCOC) at Fort Benning, Georgia, participated in an assessment of two desk-top computer simulations used to train tactical decision making. Thirteen leaders trained with the Soldier Visualization Station (SVS) simulation, while 39 others trained with Simulation Field Exercise, or SimFX. Pre-simulation exercise measures included military and simulation experience, decision-making style, and tactical situation judgment. A questionnaire administered to leaders following simulation exercises documented their sense of personal involvement during mission execution and their perceptions of the training value of the simulations. Leaders in both groups were assessed individually for their ability to recognize and implement sound tactical decisions while serving as a squad leader of a light Infantry squad during patrol and defense missions in an urban environment. Results suggest that, in general, the use of desk-top simulations have potential value for training the tactical decisions leaders make during exercises that require greater expenditures of resources. However, the methods used to train with simulations impacted leaders' tactical decision making, their perceptions of the training value of simulations, and their ideas about what they learned from the experience.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 01, 2007
- Accession Number
- ADA468772
Entities
People
- Scott A. Beal
Organizations
- U.S. Army Research Institute for the Behavioral and Social Sciences