Computer-Based Training of Cannon Fire Direction Specialists

Using the advanced individual training of Cannon Fire Direction Specialists as a case study, this report identifies alternative approaches for individual training and analyzes their cost implications. The study suggests that the current course can be reorganized to reduce course length and conserve resources while meeting fundamental training objectives. Specifically, 20 percent of the current training time contains tasks that may not be performed in the subsequent duty assignment. The analysis further identifies tasks well-suited for computer-based training (CBT). These tasks, which cover fire detection and fire mission operations, require complex computational and diagnostic skills that are not easily acquired and, thus, lend themselves to individualized CBT instruction. If CBT were implemented along with other steps to realign the course, additional savings in training manpower and costs could be realized. Although the cost of courseware development will affect the savings, a payback period of three years should prove economically justified given the continuing battlefield requirement for technical support to fire missions.