Exploring the Use of a Multiplayer Game to Execute Light Infantry Company Missions

摘要

Leaders and instructors in the Maneuver Captains Career Course (MCCC) at Fort Benning, Georgia, have had limited success using training games. Early efforts to provide the MCCC with training games resulted in mission scenarios that were broad in scope, but lacked depth and realistic functional effects, particularly those exhibited by computer-generated forces. In order to elevate the level of functional fidelity and meet training objectives, MCCC instructors explored the use of DARWARS Ambush, a multiplayer game that eliminated computer-generated forces, provided appropriate assets, and allowed MCCC Soldiers to control leader and subordinate entities during simulated Infantry company-level missions. This paper documents an exploratory evaluation of a multiplayer game to provide the MCCC with effective company-level simulated mission execution experiences. Forty Soldiers executed two missions during which each human entity on the simulated battlefield was controlled by a human Soldier. Researchers measured the extent to which the game provided control over assets, appropriate tactical capabilities, and the opportunity for Company Commanders to make and implement tactical decisions as conditions and events emerged. The Soldiers expressed their perceptions of the training value and effectiveness of the multiplayer game by completing a questionnaire. Results suggested that multiplayer games have some training potential, but that desired performance outcomes can only be realized when specific environmental and training conditions are met.