Target Detection, Identification, and Marksmanship Under Various Types of Physiological Strain
Abstract
The advent of high resolution interactive simulation has made it possible to bring greater realism into the laboratory where experimental rigour is more easily controlled than in a field setting. Using a small arms trainer (SAT), target detection, identification, and engagement were tested under a variety of conditions including heat and cold exposure, fatiguing exercise, and sleep deprivation, with caffeine intervention applied in the latter two trials. Target presentations were random and varied from standing pop-ups to moving figures of both foe and friendly types appearing seldom or frequently. Performance was judged according to the number of targets detected, correct identifications, and marksmanship. The main findings suggest that target detection is susceptible to fatigue, which can be alleviated with caffeine. However, once a target has been detected with or without fatigue, its engagement, which requires intense but short-term focus (i.e., 6 s or less), can be competently managed under significant levels of physiological strain, as if no strain was present.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Nov 01, 2006
- Accession Number
- ADA481048
Entities
People
- Peter Tikuisis
Organizations
- Defence Research and Development Canada