Soldier Performance Using a Part-Task Gunnery Device (TOPGUN) and Its Effects on Institutional-Conduct of Fire Trainer (I-COFT) Proficiency

The high costs and problems associated with equipment-based training have prompted the use of both high- and low-fidelity devices and simulations for tank gunnery training. The utility of the TOPGUN device as a low-fidelity part- task gunnery trainer is examined in three experiments by comparing soldier pretest to posttest performance, as defined by six measures of gunnery accuracy and speed, and increases in TOPGUN and I-COFT tank gunnery device proficiency. The major findings of the research were (a) experienced and inexperienced soldiers learned basic gunnery skills on TOPGUN; (b) device-based performance improvements were not significantly different using either free-play or structured training for experienced or inexperienced soldiers; (c) gunnery skills by MOS-qualified soldiers improved significantly from pretest, however, group differences were not detected; and (d) the overall attitude of soldiers who trained on the device was very positive. Keywords: Armor, Simulation, TOPGUN, Training devices, Soldier effectiveness, Performance(human).