A System for Training and Evaluating Battalion Command Groups with Gaming Simulation Techniques

This report describes research devoted to refinement and elaboration of Command Post Exercise LONGTHRUST, a gaming simulation exercise. LONGTHRUST, which is appropriate for Battalion level Command Groups, was originally developed as a scenario dependent exercise. The research involved development of simplified game rules, refinement and definition of controller roles and activities, development of a criterion-referenced critique and evaluation system, and extensive refinement and simplification of materials so that the revised system would be suitable for use with any combat operation or environment. The revised system, labeled COMTRAIN, is appropriate for use by Army units who wish to practice tactical concepts using gaming simulation techniques. (Author)