Developing Performance Measures for Army Aviation Collective Training

Army Aviation tactical training exercises usually involve an entire Battalion or Combat Aviation Brigade (CAB). Due to cost and logistical considerations, the Army?s aviation tactical exercise (ATX) takes place in a shared virtual environment employing networked simulators and training devices. ATX employs state of the art technology; however, objective measurement of team performance has not kept abreast of aviation simulation technology. It is unclear how observational ratings and electronic system data (from simulators) can be used to assess team performance and provide actionable feedback to unit commanders and trainees. To address these challenges, we: (1) determined the dimensions that differentiate high-performing aviation teams from low-performing aviation teams in scout- attack missions at the Battalion and Company levels; (2) determined collective-task dimensions that can be captured using simulator data during ATX, and (3) constructed behaviorally-based prototype measures to assess unit-level performance for those collective task dimensions not represented by simulator data. Future implementation of system-based and observer-based measures of collective task performance should lead to improved assessment of training strategies at ATX where CABs prepare for deployment. Refinement of these measures should likewise provide specific, diagnostic feedback to commanders on their unit?s progress during virtual and live training. Prepared in cooperation with Aptima, Inc, Wobum, MA.