Preliminary Training Effectiveness Analysis of a Conceptual Weapon System

Abstract

This paper presents the procedures used and the major findings of a study which analyzed potential training problems associated with a conceptual weapon system. The training analysis was conducted on five generic weapon system alternatives, virtually every type of fielded and developing system which could be related to the conceptual system. The methodologial approach was designed to provide converging evidence for the reliability and validity of the overall results from up to four independent sources of information and data analysis techniques. The four approaches addressed, respectively, personnel resource requirements, training resource requirements, behavioral requirements of hardware-driven tasks, and soldier perceptions of training adequacy. The results of these analyses led to the construction of matrices which permitted comparisons among the five generic systems. These comparisons led, in turn, to a set of recommendations, based on training considerations alone, for a preferred conceptual system alternative.