Design of a Threat-Based Gunnery Performance Test: Issues and Procedures for Crew and Platoon Tank Gunnery

Abstract : Threat-based tank gunnery performance testing procedures were developed using a seven-step process that included (a) describing the tank gunnery domain, (b) determining several test requirements, (c) analyzing gunnery outcome (speed and accuracy) measures and developing a recommended approach, (d) analyzing gunnery process measures (e.g., target acquisition, fire commands) and developing a recommended approach, (e) setting standards, (f) analyzing devices and making recommendations, and (g) developing test administration procedures. The test comprises (a) crew and platoon skill echelons, (b) Combat Tank Tables and threat-based target arrays, and (c) live fire and instrumented dry fire. After reviewing several alternatives, the hit expectation ratio metric that underlies Tank Table VIII was identified as the most conceptually complete outcome metric available. A spreadsheet format was prepared for extending the calculation of hit expectation ratio for crew gunnery for three, four, and five threat targets in an array. The mathematics of a suggested solution for calculating a platoon gunnery hit expectation ratio were presented. To support assessment of the behaviors and activities of crew and platoon gunnery, a series of descriptive rating scales were developed.