Patterns of Information Use and Performance in Outer-Air Battle Decision Making.

摘要

Effectiveness of C3 systems is determined in part by their responsiveness to the military commander's information requirements. This research analyzed the organizational structure and information requirements of the naval battle force commander in composite warfare. Simulation experiments at San Diego were undertaken to assess information use by personnel in command positions and relate command decision performance to the effectiveness of the combat system. Experienced naval officers participated as anti-air warfare commanders in charge of the air defense of a large, naval battle force. They were examined under various tactical, information loading and information degradation conditions. Results showed that interruption of tactical communications introduced significant delays in critical decisions, i.e., launches were delayed until the threat was visible on radar. Most participants were unaware of the extent of system performance deficit caused by the information degradation and, as a result, did not compensate. This conservative behavior persisted, even after multiple simulation runs with similar outcomes. Participants had difficulty integrating information from multiple sensors and evaluating contradictory information. A system of classifying participants was proposed along two dimensions: (1) extent of information used and (2) conservatism (delay) in response to tactical information. (EDC)