Model Training Program for Reserve Component Units

摘要

Addition of new, sophisticated systems to the Army inventory presents special training problems to Reserve Component (RC) maintenance units. Upon mobilization, these units support active units using the new systems, but the RC soldiers have limited training time and little or no access to the new equipment or knowledgeable instructors. The Model Training Program for Reserve Component units investigated the use of computer based training (CBT) with interactive videodisc to deliver training to RC units. CBT courses were developed for four Military Occupational Specialties responsible for the M1 Abrams tank. The training was fielded for trials for 1 year at three RC units, and effectiveness of the training was evaluated with hands-on and written pre- and posttests. In addition, a survey of over 200 developers of CBT was conducted to investigate the problems of CBT development projects. Recommendations were made for analyzing and procuring CBT projects, estimating costs, enhancing production techniques, and fielding the computer based training at Reserve units. Keywords: Armor training, Maintenance training, Training costs, Educational technology, Tanks, Instructional design, Military training. (sdw)