Cognitive requirements for small unit leaders in military operations in Urban Terrain

Abstract

Abstract : Military Operations in Urban Terrain (MOUT) create unique cognitive demands for small unit leaders, particularly platoon leaders. Years of experience are typically needed to master these demands. However, most platoon leaders tend to have limited experience in Army operations generally, and MOUT operations specifically. A cognitive task analysis, based on in depth interviews with subject matter experts (n=7), was conducted to expose the cognitive aspects of expertise existing within one important MOUT task, building clearing operations. From the perspective of platoon leaders, the cognitive demands of this task were defined within the context of decision requirement tables. Decision requirements detail critical decisions and judgments, the reasons why they can be difficult to make, cues and factors that influence decision making, and rules and strategies employed in the decision making process. The findings of the cognitive task analysis guided the development of training recommendations, particularly the need for a scenario based MOUT training program aimed at improving platoon leader expertise through practice in decision making.