Distribution Management Cognitive Training Initiative (DMCTI)
The DMCT prototype application, a personal computer-based training aid, seeks to enhance analysis, planning, and decision-making required in the logistics domain.
Designed to assist soldiers and instructors, the DMCT application is built on a solid educational design, incorporating lessons learned from the ICT’s significant experience in developing game-based cognitive training aids.
The DMCT prototype application trains US Army logistical planners, supports the understanding of the Army distribution management process, and aids in the development of strategies for best exploiting the capabilities of logistics management systems, including the Army’s Battle Command Sustainment Support System (BCS3) – the recognized logistics command and control tool for warfighters.
Lessons are available in three levels of difficulty: beginner, intermediate, and advanced. Beginner lessons include missions with few tasks and a significant amount of in-game feedback whereas advanced levels include missions with many tasks and little to no input along the way. A post exercise review provides students with an evaluation as well as a representation of how their performance compares to experts in the field.
The initial target audience for the DMCT application is the Sustainment Brigade Support Operations Officer who must request information from BCS3 operators in order to carry out a given mission. However, it is anticipated that the overall design of the DMCT training aid may be leveraged to support distribution management training to multiple levels of US Army command and staff positions
The twelve-month DMCTI effort is on track to produce an Alpha deliverable in January 2008, a Beta release in March 2008, and a Final deliverable in April 2008.
Contact: Matthew Trimmer, Project Director
Tags: cognitive, decision-making, education, logistics, planning, training aid
Goals
The goals of the DMCTI effort are as follows:
Develop a comprehensive, game engine-based, cognitive training tool to assist US Army logistical planners in developing the skills and abilities to improve their understanding of the US Army DM process. The DMCT will also help to improve logistical planners’ understanding of how to exploit system capabilities to improve analysis, planning, and decision making.
Create a flexible system architecture that has the adaptability to accommodate future changes to BCS3 and the DM process.
Be prepared to extend the final delivery of the DMCT application in the future and accommodate additional US Army Battle Command systems.