|
Abstract. This paper is concerned with how to improve the training
of higher-level military officers, given that the conditions for learning
in "conventional" exercises (with a high degree of realism and
complexity) are sub-optimal. From other applications (e.g., business and public
management) we know that a key feature of effective decision
training is high exercise frequency. Another requirement is for the
decision-maker to see the full range of consequences resulting from
his/her decisions. Both aspects require time compression in the training
environment. We suggest applying the same principles when training military
commanders, in a newly created concept termed Minimalist Decision Training
(MDT). MDT is characterized by simplifying the commander’s operating environment,
radically compressing time and space. In Minimalist Decision Training, a
typical two-day exercise can cover several repetitions of a thirty-day
conflict and at the same time provide continuous feedback about
the unfolding of the conflict, consequential to decisions made. To
this date, we have tested prototypes of system dynamic models
("microworlds") to be used as MDT environment at the Norwegian
Defence Staff College as well as operational headquarters. The pilot
users (instructors as well as student officers) have reported a
high degree of satisfaction with the models as exercise environments.
In particular, the operational relevance of a "high-intensity" model has
been assessed. In a post-exercise survey participants indicated that eight
out of ten suggested manoeuvre principles were believed to have
substantial impact on operational outcome. We take these findings as
evidence to support the view that the Minimalist Decision Training
concept is viable, and deserving further attention within research and
development
Related topics:
system dynamics, training and analysis
View first page of "Bakken: Training to Improve Decision Making System Dynamics Applied to Higher-Level Military Operations"
Papers by Bakken
Papers by Gilljam
Register for the free
to receive a list of papers for each issue as it is released.
|
|
