Cognitive Impact of a C4ISR Tactical Network

Abstract : This report details a naturalistic study that investigates the effect of communications and sensor technologies used by Soldiers in a tactical organization to gain intelligence against an adaptive enemy threat. Communication and sensor technologies were used to simulate current and future force capabilities for networked systems. Soldiers comprised an experiment force and simulated two platoons of an Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) force. Data collection included observational, quantitative, and qualitative methods designed to illuminate the contributions that networked information make to decision accuracy and timeliness. We document results to suggest that networked sensing and communication technologies enhance tactical decision making; yet these benefits come at the cost of basic instincts of Soldier survivability - to remain aware of the immediate environment. Field observations and self-report measures of frustration and workload demonstrate this effect. The metric of human trust in networks was useful to the overall analysis; we recommend specific ways in which this measure can be modified and improved. Our conclusions document that future networked battlefield operating systems must have redundant communication capabilities to protect against information warfare attack.