Defining Training Objectives and Performance Measures in a Janus Battle Simulation.

Abstract : The United States Army Field Artillery School (USAFAS) at Fort Sill, Oklahoma, uses the Janus battle simulation for training officers in fire support operations and battle command decision making. In conjunction with the training exercises, a series of experiments was run to determine the effectiveness of the Janus simulation for training students in the Officer Basic Course (OBC). Course instructors were interviewed to determine the training objectives expected to be met using the Janus simulation. These objectives were measured using both objective and subjective measurement approaches. Objective measures were performance indicators that could be derived from the simulation. Characteristics of the simulation, instructor involvement, and ability of the interactors limited the validity of the objective measures. Subjective measures, obtained using self-report measures from instructors and students, indicated that the Janus simulation exercises, as used in the OBC, were useful in increasing the confidence and proficiency of the students. Results are presented by training objective and measurement approach.