Communication and Decisionmaking in C4ISR Sustained Operations: An Experimental Approach

摘要

This report describes the approach and initial results of a systematic investigation of individual and team C4ISR communication and performance in complex time-critical targeting scenarios over a sustained period of time. To date, there have been few systematic and experimental programs of research on the effects of fatigue on complex decision making, team communication, coordination, shared awareness, or performance. In this report, the authors focus their efforts on aspects of C4ISR communication and coordination, and how one can assess the impact of fatigue on complex team communication and performance over time. Research participants were drawn from a pool of USAF officers awaiting Air Battle Management Training at Tyndall AFB, FL. Subjects were grouped into six 3-member teams. Each participant participated in a 40-hour training session occurring during a 1-week period. The training included administrative processing (1 hr), training on cognitive test battery (9 hrs.), and training on C4ISR assets, capabilities, and tactics, along with AEDGE interface functions (30 hrs). The experimental session began at 6 pm on the last day of training and ended at 11 am the following morning. They participated as 3-person teams, every other hour, in 8 40-minute team- based C4ISR decision making scenarios, with 20 additional minutes for each session for debriefing, data collection, and mission planning for the next session. Every other hour, between each scenario session, they performed on a standard cognitive test battery that assesses reaction time, working memory, and multitasking. They also provided physiological (e.g. temperature, etc.), mood-state, and sleepiness data. All e-mail and audio communications were digitally captured for transcription. This resulted in extensive cognitive performance and simulation-based performance. Data collection is still underway.