Training Aids for Basic Combat Skills: A Procedure for Training-Aid Development

Abstract

Abstract : There is a need to augment existing Army training approaches to address the differential rates and stages of learning evidenced among Soldiers. One way to easily modify existing training approaches is to make adjunct training aids available to trainers for use when appropriate. The fact that basic combat skills represent a heterogeneous skill set and are trained to Soldiers with large variability in skills and knowledge suggests that training aids may have a significant impact when used to train basic skills. This report describes a training-aid development process and provides a brief summary of training aids produced: a set of 200-meter zero targets, two aids to assist in the marksmanship zero process, material to reinforce and practice grid-coordinate skill, and a video capture and playback system. An assessment was conducted for each prototype training aid to determine its training value and to gain feedback for possible revisions. Each training aid contributed to enhanced Soldier performance. Details on the design, development, and assessment for each of the prototypes are provided in separate reports.