A Cognitive Framework for Battlefield Commanders' Situation Assessment

Abstract : Situation assessment is an essential component of battlefield planning. This report describes a cognitive framework for situation assessment, based on research in cognitive psychology and tactical planning and on interviews with command staff. The report describes the framework in terms of three key components: memory and knowledge structures; actions, goals, and values; and monitoring and regulating cognition. It defines structural constraints and modes of processing (procedural versus knowledge-based and analytic versus intuitive) in terms of these components. It describes paths through the framework, illustrating them with concrete examples based on experiences of command staff. Finally, the report discusses characteristics of proficient situation assessors. Among the knowledge structures used by situation assessors to frame situations are enemy plan structures, enemy goal structures, temporal plan execution structures, enemy planning/command and control structures, and terrain structures. Situations may be framed proactively, predictively, or reactively. Metacognitive processes test the completeness, reliability, and consistency of situation models and plans and guide the activation of additional knowledge to flesh them out, replace weak assumptions, or resolve conflict. The framework provides a foundation for improved situation assessment performance through training, materiel, computer aids, procedures, organizational structures, or personnel selection. Command and control, Staff operations, Decision making, Situation assessment, Cognitive processes, Expertise, Knowledge representation, Tactical planning, Metacognition

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