A Near Term Approach to Embedded Training: Battle Command Visualization 101

Abstract : Design and development of embedded training (ET) has been hampered by technical barriers and a lack of viable training product exemplars. This report describes an innovative training product developed to complement the Army's ongoing ET efforts for the Future Force and provide realistic training solutions for the Current Force wherever deployed. An exemplar product called Battle Command Visualization (BCV) 101 was developed to train many of the basic skills required for employing networked sensors to see the battlefield by completing a set of progressive and gated skill development and reinforcement exercises. Expert performance of the exercises on a prototype command and control (C2) system linked to virtual simulation was recorded to generate high-fidelity source materials for interactive multimedia instruction (IMI) at IMI Levels 1 and 2. The source materials were augmented by teaching points, tactical and reference materials, and quizzes. A surrogate learning management system was developed to control exercise sequence, interaction, quiz administration, training feedback, and remediation. Limited formative evaluation was also conducted. The primary finding of the research is an innovative approach to training that markedly extends Army's ability to deliver the high-fidelity training required by the Current and Future Force.