Accelerated Learning Model for Increased Strategic and Tactical Decision Making Using Multi-Player Games

In Phase II we will apply the instructional design accelerated learning principles developed in Phase I to a proof-of-concept technical feasibility demonstration. We will empirically test the learning model by applying it via a virtual learning environment to complex military problems. The virtual learning environment will be game based and multiplayer. Junior officers and Senior enlisted will be the target users for the proof- of- concept.  A quasi experimental plan will be used to test the training effectiveness of the accelerated learning strategies outlined above. An experimental group of Marine junior officers and/or senior enlisted who have not been trained with the accelerated learning principles described above will receive training on tactics for urban combat. Their performance in the FutureView™ micro world of an urban combat or other combat environment will be measured. A control group of junior Marine officers and/or senior enlisted will not receive training developed with the accelerated learning principles but will receive more traditional training before being measured in the Future View micro world. Scenarios will be developed with expert assistance by the Innovative Reasoning LLC which has great experience at developing, delivering and evaluating USMC urban combat tactical training. Individuals from each group (experimental and control) will then plan and conduct tactical approaches for fighting in an urban setting in the Infantry Immersion TrainerIIT at USMC Camp Pendleton or similar facility. The IIT provides a training facility for “hands on” practical application of tactical skills and decision making in an immersive, scenario-based training environment. Units can conduct dismounted and limited mounted operations throughout the training complex. Operations may be conducted during both day and night. The IIT supports Training and Readiness (T&R) individual and collective tasks, from the individual through company level, as well as rapidly evolving tasks that are theater directed and service approved, but not yet codified in the T&R manual. The IIT creates a realistic training environment that presents complex scenario-based situations (tactical and human dimension) and reinforces decision making skills. The IIT provides culturally realistic, reactive, dynamic, synthetic entities that allow realistic interaction with the Common Operating Environment (COE) (to include squad members, higher headquarters, adjacent units, supporting arms, civilians, and opposing forces). https://www.pendleton.marines.mil/Staff-Agencies/Assistant-Chief-of-Staff-G-3-5/Training-Support-Division/MOUT-Facilities/IIT/ Subject Matter Experts will judge the performance of all subjects using a set of metrics that have already been developed for the IIT. (In some cases, new metrics might be developed).  Interim and final reports will detail the processes used to produce the training scenarios as they progress, and then give final results and conclusions.