Applying Digital Technologies to Training: A Focus on Pictorial Communication

Abstract : Digital technologies can help solve many of the training problems they create. The Army's investment in digital technologies assumes that they will portray a common picture of the battlefield on the digital displays of warfighters and supporters, and improve training. This report focuses on the application of digital technologies, such as instrumented command and control systems and military simulation, to train the skills to understand and maintain a pictorial depiction of the battlefield situation on digital displays. Three main areas of research are identified that focus on common picture training and evaluation requirements: define, communicate, and maintain a common picture of the battlefield. For each of these areas, research issues are raised and corresponding training and evaluation methods are recommended to address each issue. Overall, the method recommendations repeatedly examine how a log of soldier-computer interactions from instrumented command and control systems can automatically provide an empirical base for assessing performance and giving feedback. Conclusions consider how integration and implementation of the training and research methods recommended in this report, in concert with digital technologies, might foster design and development of a digital training environment directed at the pictorial communication of battlefield situations on digital displays.