Revitalizing Battle Staff Training

Abstract : The Depth and Simultaneous Attack Battle Laboratory (D&SABL) and the U.S. Army Research Laboratory (ARL) are in a position to bring advanced training technology into fire support institutional training. Using D&SABL resources to introduce and refine scientifically based learning research findings as well as supporting technology will help guide decisions about resource investments for new technology and further experimentation. Toward that end, D&SABL and ARL conducted an effort funded by the U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC) Concept Experimentation Program (CEP). The purpose of the experiment was to assess the impact of simulation use on advanced training in the Field Artillery Officers' Advanced Course (FAOAC) at the U.S. Army Field Artillery School and to make recommendations about technology use for advanced training. Our experiment found that advanced technology as used did not impact the learning process or outcomes in the advanced course. Our conclusion was that implementing new technology to support any process without an understanding of the process and its requirements would probably not yield the desired results. Our recommendations included the construction of a learning model that more effectively represents the training needs and reflects the potential contribution of advanced technology, training design principles to implement the model, and technology use recommendations.

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