Human Factors Evaluation of the High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) in the Combined HIMARS-Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System (GMLRS) Initial Operational Test

摘要

The primary purpose of this effort by the U.S. Army Research Laboratory (ARL) was to collect data that could be used to assess human factors issues related to mission performance, training, and safety. Using questionnaires specifically designed for this initial operational test (IOT), Soldier participant comments, we recorded impressions and recommendations for improving the HIMARS launcher and its associated support vehicles. Four multi- faceted questionnaires were developed to support the applicable measures of performance listed in the HIMARS test and evaluation master plan. The questionnaires were administered to military occupational specialties 13M (MLRS Crewman), 27M (MLRS Repairman), 13P (Fire Direction Specialist), and 63 series (Vehicle Maintenance) personnel. Selected leaders (i.e., support platoon leader and fire direction officer) were also given the opportunity to answer any of the questionnaires they felt qualified to answer, based on their having received HIMARS IOT training or having been closely involved in multiple aspects of the tactical IOT events or both. Results from this evaluation were used by the U.S. Army Test and Evaluation Command (for the HIMARS system evaluation report) and ARL (for the human factors evaluation) in support of the Milestone C decision for full-rate production that occurred in June 2005.