The Effect of Variations in Operator Proficiency on Asw Combat System Performance

Abstract

The development of an operability model analysis tool to support design requirement definition for advanced ASW combat systems has evolved over the last four years. Previous NUWC ASW Combat System Operability Modeling efforts using SLAM II have produced comparisons between various ASW combat systems to examine the relative benefits of equipment features and operating concepts. Development of these operability models enabled the representation of contact data handling processes, ASW combat system operators, and the man-to-man, man-to-machine, and machine-to-machine interfaces that occur during an ASW mission. Early operability model studies (Stretton, Swiontek, Morris, Conway, and Wachter, 1991) investigated data handling bottlenecks and contact data throughput for ASW systems by focusing on the sensor operators, supervisory personnel, and command decision makers. Earlier models did not incorporate variations in team member productivity as might be found under high-workload conditions. Also, ASW team member skill levels were not varied as might be found due to latency from training-to-shipboard activities or to individual differences in operators and their training. As a follow-on-effort, this study examined how variations in operator proficiency on critical tasks affect overall ASW combat system performance. Results of this effort appear to have wide-reaching operational impacts in the area of team performance and operator variability.