Soldier loads continue to rise in response to new technological capabilities and emerging threats. However, literature addressing the extent to which load mass properties affects operational task performance and mission outcome is sparse. The objective of this preliminary study was to quantify the effect of PPE mass properties (weight, bulk and stiffness) on combat mobility, as measured using the standardized Load Effects Assessment Program (LEAP) course. Twenty-four soldiers completed the LEAP course in three clothing and individual equipment (CIE) configurations (UE: unencumbered; FFO: full fighting order (FFO) without body armour; and FFO+: FFO with body armour). Significant differences between clothing conditions were revealed for LEAP performance metrics (overall course time). Regression analysis revealed significant relationships between overall mobility performance and condition mass properties of weight, bulk, and stiffness. Outcomes will influence the design of future CIE and future research in this area.
The Canadian Soldier Information Requirements Technology Demonstration (SIREQ TD) soldier modernization research and development program has conducted experiments to help determine the types and amount of information needed to support wayfinding across a range of terrain environments, the most effective display modality for providing the information (visual, auditory or tactile) that will minimize conflict with other infantry tasks, and to optimize interface design. In this study, seven different visual helmet-mounted display (HMD) designs were developed based on soldier feedback from previous studies. The displays and an in-service compass condition were contrasted to investigate how the visual HMD interfaces influenced navigation performance. Displays varied with respect to their information content, frame of reference, point of view, and display features. Twelve male infantry soldiers used all eight experimental conditions to locate bearings to waypoints. From a constant location, participants were required to face waypoints presented at offset bearings of 25, 65, and 120 degrees. Performance measures included time to identify waypoints, accuracy, and head misdirection errors. Subjective measures of performance included ratings of ease of use, acceptance for land navigation, and mental demand. Comments were collected to identify likes, dislikes and possible improvements required for HMDs. Results underlined the potential performance enhancement of GPS-based navigation with HMDs, the requirement for explicit directional information, the desirability of both analog and digital information, the performance benefits of an egocentric frame of reference, the merit of a forward field of view, and the desirability of a guide to help landmark. Implications for the information requirements and human factors design of HMDs for land-based navigational tasks are discussed.
Task analyses and physical demands analyses are combined to identify common and extreme postures and postural sequences, durations, frequency, and forces for Griffon Helicopter aircrew tasks, mission phases, and whole missions. The result is a comprehensive model of tasks and associated physical demands from which one can estimate the accumulative neck loads and moments caused by Night Vision Googles usage. Combining task and physical demands analyses yields a methodology for building a model of human work where information processing and physical demands are equally important for finding effective solutions to work issues.
Abstract : Humansystems was tasked by DRDC Toronto (formerly DCIEM) to undertake a Human Factors (HF) controlled trial to evaluate the new Visor Attachment Sub-System (VASS) design and gather additional input to support the development of the Ballistic Visor Statement of Requirement (SOR). A three-day field trial was undertaken at CFB Winnipeg over the period of October 6 - 8 1997. Thirteen regular force infantry soldiers completed a battery of human factors tests while wearing up to four different Visor Attachment Sub-System (VASS)/Visor conditions in a repeated measures design: two 1/2 face visors and a full face visor with the new VASS, and one half face visor with the old VASS. All tests included a helmet alone or no VASS condition as a baseline control. During each test, the order of conditions was balanced among participants. Human factors tests included assessments of attachment, usability, performance of select obstacle and battle tasks, marching, equipment, vehicle and clothing compatibility clash, and maintainability. Data collection included questionnaires, focus groups, performance measures and HF observer assessments. Weapons and equipment compatibility and durability were ranked as the most important criteria for VASS design, with weapons and equipment compatibility, and visual capability as the most important visor criteria. For compatibility, there were no significant differences between the VASS designs and considerable clash observed and reported for visor compatibility with the C4 mask for all visor conditions. Most participants were unable to acquire a sight picture with the full face visor while almost all participants were able to achieve a sight picture with the full face visor. Several visual and thermal attributes of the visors, attached to both VASS systems, were rated as Borderline to Barely Unacceptable: field of view, visual distortion, thermal comfort, and ventilation/fogging.
Abstract : This report presents methods and results from the front-end analysis for the Preliminary Development of Integrated Physical Ergonomics Modeling Tools to enhance Warfighter Effectiveness Applied Research Project (ARP). The objectives of the front-end analysis were to identify stakeholder needs for integrated physical modeling tools (users and workspace), and to survey the state-of-the-art and acquire the most suitable, affordable, available tools for measuring and modeling the physical aspects of Canadian warfighters. For the stakeholder needs analysis, DND and industry stakeholders were consulted for current warfighter system and transport vehicle projects. The state-of-the-art review of current physical ergonomics tools was conducted by reviewing product and scientific literature. Tool developers and manufacturers were contacted for technical details and pricing information. Tools were categorized by function and tool groups within each function. Product details were compiled and a summary description of each tools and their pros and cons was derived.
Abstract : The HFEICADD system is a computer aided design tool to support the collaborative review of human factors issues in the design of naval vessels in Canada. This research and design project has resulted in the integration of a series of custom designed and off the shelf software products that facilitate the sharing of design criteria and review decisions over the life cycle of a vessel. This software suite, now in the final phases of development, has the potential to be used in any collaborative design environment to ensure that task data, design review data, and design decisions are captured and utilized by all project personnel.
Abstract : This project undertook a Mission Function Task Analysis (MFTA) and Physical Demands Analysis (PDA) of the Griffon Helicopter aircrew (pilots and flight engineers) with a focus on mitigating aircrew neck strain/pain. Neck pain, particularly when wearing Night Vision Goggles (NVGs) is frequently reported by Griffon Helicopter Aircrew (Pilots and Flight Engineers). Mechanisms and risk factors for acute and chronic neck injury in aviation aircrew are well documented in the literature, however, there is limited information available about the prevalence and magnitude of the physical demands associated with these acute and chronic injury risk factors for the dynamic performance of aircrew tasks during complete mission durations. This study developed a library of mission tasks comprised of associated postural sequences for each of the Flying Pilot, Non-flying Pilot, and Fight Engineer roles. This task library comprised the building blocks to enable the development of any number of possible customized Griffon mission types and characteristics. Based on the identified postural sequences from this library of mission tasks, aircrew underwent motion capture data collection by simulating the postural sequences for both day and night missions. These data were then analyzed for postural range of motion and forces on the neck to derive a Physical Demands Analysis for each of these postural sequences. Two mission examples were built for this study: a logistics support and surveillance mission (5.5 hour mission) and a slung load training mission (2.5 hour mission). Cumulative physical demands were then derived for all aircrew roles in both missions for both day and night conditions.
To evaluate the effect of digitization on platoon effectiveness and investigate the suitability of different platoon structures, a twelve-day field trial was undertaken with a Company of light infantry at Fort Benning, Georgia. Test missions were conducted in both day and night conditions, in wooded and urban terrain environments, in each of three organizational structures, with and without digitization. The three different organizational structures included our current in-service 8-man Section, a 13-man USMC squad, and a distributed model comprising six four-man teams. Results of this study confirmed that the effectiveness of a dismounted platoon is significantly enhanced by the use of select digital enhancements in the areas of navigation, situation awareness, communications, and command. During night operations, digitally-enabled capabilities were the difference between mission success and failure. None of the organizational structures tested proved to be universally better than the others at optimizing the benefits of digitally-enhanced capabilities, although each had their strengths and weaknesses. However, considerable insights were gained in the organizational structure issues of distributed small unit command and control, swarming formation tactics, and the tactics, techniques, and procedures necessary to employ small units effectively in a NCW environment.
'%3e%3cpath fill='%23012169' d='M0 0v30h60V0z'/%3e%3cpath stroke='%23fff' stroke-width='6' d='m0 0 60 30m0-30L0 30'/%3e%3cpath stroke='%23C8102E' stroke-width='4' d='m0 0 60 30m0-30L0 30' clip-path='url(%23b)'/%3e%3cpath stroke='%23fff' stroke-width='10' d='M30 0v30M0 15h60'/%3e%3cpath stroke='%23C8102E' stroke-width='6' d='M30 0v30M0 15h60'/%3e%3c/g%3e%3c/svg%3e)