Display Options For Dismounted Infantry

The present survey was designed to obtain sample user judgments about information display alternatives for infantrymen. The survey was conducted during a Future Force Warrior (FFW) On-The-Move (OTM) exercise at Ft. Dix, NJ in 2006. Soldiers using prototype displays (HMD and PDA) ran simulated combat missions and were then interviewed about the design of displays for tactical operations. The results are preliminary considering the limited number of Soldiers interviewed. However, recommendations given incorporate judgments from experts as well as findings from previous studies. Comments collected are paraphrased statements of participating Soldiers, the OTM staff and experienced onlookers. Summaries are grouped by key questions (i.e. Do all Soldiers need a display?). The major recommendation is that displays and display devices need to be designed for the tasks and responsibilities of key users. Specifically, leaders need larger displays for team planning and unit-team communication while riflemen need smaller hands-free wearable individual displays for quick reference but more limited operational use. Specific recommendations for optimal size, shape, and weight are presented in the report.

"This report describes the assessment of five simulators that train dismounted infantry tasks. Subject matter experts (SMEs) worked through leader, soldier, or team scenarios and rated how well each simulator supported performance of subtasks related to military operations in an urban environment. The SMEs also identified characteristics to be considered for future simulators and modifications that would improve the current systems. The recommendations are the basis for characteristics to be considered in the Training Device Requirement for a Dismounted Infantry Module in the Close Combat Tactical Trainer."--Stinet.

This book examines the human factors issues associated with the development, testing, and implementation of helmet-mounted display technology in the 21st Century Land Warrior System. Because the framework of analysis is soldier performance with the system in the full range of environments and missions, the book discusses both the military context and the characteristics of the infantry soldiers who will use the system. The major issues covered include the positive and negative effects of such a display on the local and global situation awareness of the individual soldier, an analysis of the visual and psychomotor factors associated with each design feature, design considerations for auditory displays, and physical sources of stress and the implications of the display for affecting the soldier's workload. The book proposes an innovative approach to research and testing based on a three-stage strategy that begins in the laboratory, moves to controlled field studies, and culminates in operational testing.

This book examines the human factors issues associated with the development, testing, and implementation of helmet-mounted display technology in the 21st Century Land Warrior System. Because the framework of analysis is soldier performance with the system in the full range of environments and missions, the book discusses both the military context and the characteristics of the infantry soldiers who will use the system. The major issues covered include the positive and negative effects of such a display on the local and global situation awareness of the individual soldier, an analysis of the visual and psychomotor factors associated with each design feature, design considerations for auditory displays, and physical sources of stress and the implications of the display for affecting the soldier's workload. The book proposes an innovative approach to research and testing based on a three-stage strategy that begins in the laboratory, moves to controlled field studies, and culminates in operational testing.