Determination of the Contribution of Live Firing to Weapons Proficiency

Two field tests were conducted to identify the contribution of live firing to weapons proficiency for two large-caliber weapon systems, the M60A1 tank and the 105mm howitzer. Fifty-six crews were involved in each test. The tank test dealt with the gunner's work with stationary and moving targets, and compared results from four experimental training methods using varying amounts of live firing and a training simulator. The artillery test dealt with a six-man crew firing at stationary targets, and compared results from training with varying amounts of live firing together with a simulator and dry firing. Each crew was given a live-fire criterion test, as well as paper-and-pencil measures. In both field tests, there were no statistically significant differences between training methods in the proficiency level of the trainees on the live-fire test. The attitude surveys showed some differences in the way in which trainees tended to view the various training methods.