Refinement of Prototype Staff Training Methods for Future Forces

Abstract : This report documents the design, development, and implementation of refinements to a prototype staff training package for future forces. These training refinements were made to a prototype staff training package described in the report Prototype Staff Training and Evaluation Methods for Future Forces, Throne et al., 1999. The training refinements were implemented in a simulation-based experiment examining the impact of digital systems on Future Battle Command at the battalion and brigade level. This report focuses on the training support package designed to improve performance of staffs using advanced command, control, communications, computer, and intelligence (C4I) systems. Documentation is provided on the analysis, design and development of four staff training products developed under this effort: a Surrogate Command, Control, Communications, and Computers (SC4) System Demonstration, Digital Staff Drills, Team Training Sessions (TTSs) and TTSs Trainer Guide, and refinements to Tactical Decision-Making Exercises (TDXs). The formative evaluation is described for those products with survey results and project team Observations reported by product type. Lessons learned on future staff training are documented and may help direct the Army's effort to develop command and staff training support packages (TSPs) for future forces.