ARL Insights From the Battle Command Re-engineering III Concept Experimentation Program

Abstract

Abstract : The Mounted Maneuver Battle Laboratory at Fort Knox, Kentucky, conducted the third battle command re-engineering experiment (BCR III), during the period of April 12 to April 30, 1999. This report describes the research efforts of the Human Research and Engineering (HRED) of the U.S. Army Research Laboratory (ARL) in support of BCR III. This research is a key element of the ARL 5-year science and technology objective (STO) IV.G.10: cognitive engineering of the digitized battlefield. For BCR III, ARL's efforts were centered on the virtual exercise in which a model future strike force variant organization with modular semi-automated forces (ModSAF)-based displays and advanced combat systems, performed battle command operations in order to gain a more robust understanding of the potential offered by these technological and organizational capabilities. Within the framework of the BCR III overarching issues, ARL's focal point was associated with the sub-issue question: What is the impact of situational awareness certainty and its cognitive effect on decision making, information request, and staff dynamics? This report cites the findings from the application of two ARL cognitive engineering-based research instruments, as well as observation-based insights and commanders' comments recorded during a focus group session held by ARL following the final after-action review. The two ARL instruments, the decision maker self-report profile (DMSRP) and the commander-centered decision environment inventory (C2DEI) focused on the various cognitive processes and environmental complexities associated with battle command decision making experienced during BCR III.