This report summarizes three empirical studies conducted at Kirtland Air Force Base during 1995-1997. The first study examined the relationship between crew resource management (CRM) processes and mission performance for MC- 130P Combat Shadow crews who were receiving annual simulator refresher training. Using independent assessments of process and performance, a strong, positive correlation (r=.86) was observed between CRM effectiveness at the crew-level and their performance during a simulated tactical mission. A strong association between the quality of a crew's mission planning activities and subsequent mission performance (r=.60) was also observed. A second study investigated human factors characteristics of an aerial gunner/scanner simulator (AGSS) recently installed at the 58th Special Operations Wing. The AGSS is a virtual reality (VR) training device that uses a CRT-based, helmet-mounted display and a three degree-of-freedom motion base to train rotary-wing gunners and scanners. A usability assessment by 11 aerial gunner instructors showed that while the devices's VR properties have enormous training potential, the device's human factors aspects need improvement, including the CRTs, head tracker, fitting procedures, and cables. A third study explored the impact of networked simulation on combat mission training. Ninety-nine crewmembers participating in nine networked training exercises were surveyed following training in which MH- 53J, MH-60G, TH-53A, and MC-130P weapon system trainers were linked. Survey results strongly support the value of networked training in such areas as multiship tactics, aerial refueling operations, formation flight, situation awareness, and mission team coordination. Areas in need of improvement include establishing training objectives, incorporating emergency procedures into the scenario, and leveling the task demands across crew positions and weapon system.


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    Title :

    Combat Mission Training Research at the 58th Special Operations Wing: A Summary


    Contributors:

    Publication date :

    1998


    Size :

    58 pages


    Type of media :

    Report


    Type of material :

    No indication


    Language :

    English