Effects of Visual, Auditory, and Tactile Cues on Army Platoon Leader Decision Making

Future U.S. infantry capabilities, coupled with network-centric warfare concepts, will enable huge advancements in information distribution and display, and will provide a combat advantage. However, the distribution of large amounts of information, especially to the visual channel may result in information bottlenecks and cognitive overload. Utilizing other human senses such as audition and touch to convey information may help soldiers manage information, thereby enhancing their performance on the battlefield. In this paper, we describe our theory-based analytical approach that will identify techniques that aid information management and enhance situational awareness and decision making for operators of future Army Combat systems, specifically, the platoon leader in the infantry command and control vehicle. Presented at the International Command and Control Research and Technology Symposium (10th) held in McLean, VA on 13-16 June 2005. Published in the Proceedings of the International Command and Control Research and Technology Symposium (10th), 2005. Includes briefing charts. The original document contains color images.