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Evaluating an Approach to MOUT Decision Skills Training

Abstract : An experimental training program was developed to improve the battlefield decision skills of platoon leaders during Military Operations in Urban Terrain (MOUT). The program was implemented in the form of a multimedia, train-the-trainer CD-ROM titled 'IMproving Performance through Applied Cognitive Training' (IMPACT). This report describes an evaluation of the usability of IMPACT, including an exploration of methodological issues associated with evaluating the effectiveness of training programs to improve decision-making skills. The evaluation was conducted at the U.S. Military Academy with cadets and U.S. Army captains participating as students and instructors, respectively. Participants were randomly assigned to either IMPACT or traditional after-action review (AAR) conditions. Instructors conducted two training sessions with cadets using either IMPACT or traditional AAR methods. Cadets then participated in a final session where they were tested on their MOUT decision-making skill and knowledge. Although we found few statistically significant differences between cadets in the two conditions, instructors reported IMPACT to be a valuable and highly usable training tool. Furthermore, we were able to develop an objective test to measure decision quality, as well as a process that resulted in reliable ratings of decision quality from subject matter experts.