Decision Skills Training

Abstract

An approach to training decision skills was developed that attempts to train people to learn like experts, rather than to think like experts. Several methods were developed to provide increases in experience, and increases in the amount of learning that could be derived from experiences. These included a technique for identifying decision requirements, a method for presenting low-level simulations, a method for reflecting on the decision making in training events, a method for mentally simulating plans, and a method for leaders to obtain feedback on the expression of intent. The training was presented to 30 U.S. Marine Corps squad leaders at Camp Pendleton, CA, over a period of 3.5 months. Initial subjective evaluations are high, indicating good user acceptance.