High Payoff Tasks for Training Soldiers and Small Unit Leaders in Virtual Environments

Book excerpt: This report describes a multi-tiered process for identifying potential high payoff tasks for training small unit dismounted infantry soldiers in simulated urban operations. Two recently created lists of Infantry tasks and battle drills were evaluated. Four selection criteria were applied: (1) the capability of current and near term individual combatant simulator systems to support specific task related behaviors; (2) the potential transfer effectiveness of practicing these tasks in a virtual environment; (3) the frequency with which task components (behaviors) are performed and; (4) the cost effectiveness/feasibility of performing the task in the virtual environment. Five tasks and five subtasks were retained for subsequent development into training scenarios. The tasks included Assault, Move Tactically, Enter Building and Clear a Room, Reconnoiter Area, and React to Contact. The subtasks included Engage Targets with an M16A1 or M16A2 Rifle, Move as a Member of a Fire Team, Control Movement of a Fire Team, Perform Movement Techniques During MOUT, and Report Information of Potential Intelligence Value. The training scenarios will be evaluated in the Land Warrior Test Bed. These evaluations will help confirm the value of virtual environment simulations as a rehearsal tool for soldiers and small unit leaders.