Cognitive Processes and the Movement of Combat Rifle Teams in Urban Terrain

Four combat training scenarios were executed to investigate cognitive factors that influence squad movement and tactical performance in urban terrain. Participants varied in levels of training and experience in urban warfare. Two fire teams and a squad leader (nine men) played Blue Force (BLUFOR) against an Opposition Force (OPFOR) of varying size. BLUFOR's mission was to enter the city then clear and secure a building of OPFOR and retrieve a POW or piece of equipment. Data collection involved after-action interviews with team leaders, overhead videos, questionnaires, and group discussions. Walking interviews were used to reconstruct leader awareness of cues, perceptions, decisions and actions during the exercise. Results are discussed and interpreted in terms of Situation Awareness, Activity Theory and Recognition Primed Decision model frameworks. Implications for computer simulation modeling of individual soldier and small unit performance are addressed as well as the potential impact of new advanced technologies.