Modeling Encumbrance Effects of Ground Soldier Systems on Soldier Performance

Many pieces of a soldier’s equipment encumber task performance. Some of the most common encumbrance factors sited are interference with the ability to sense, center of balance, interference with movement, and thermal properties and load. In order to examine the effects of encumbrance on ground soldier performance it is proposed that the Task-related Effects of Encumbrance Methodology (TEEM) be developed for use within a constructive combat simulation. Development of TEEM will begin with an in depth look at a small list of key encumbrance factors. This will include a look at the material causes, the tasks that are impacted, and effects. TEEM is expected to provide benefits to the civilian analyst in areas such as law enforcement, firefighting, and search and rescue. Future work will involve an implementation into the constructive combat simulation, IWARS, and possibly the addition of a larger list of encumbrance factors.