A Consideration of Army Training Device Proficiency Assessment Capabilities.

This report reviews the procedures and problems involved in the assessment of the use of training devices as a cost-effective alternative to the use of operational equipment for the evaluation of individual and collective proficiency in the U.S. Army. A review of the literature was conducted as well as an informal survey of personnel in other agencies who are involved in the use of training devices for proficiency assessment. This information was employed to: (a) review the use of training devices in proficiency assessment programs by agencies other than the Army; (b) to summarize aspects of proficiency test programs in the Army which are relevant to the present problem; and (c) to discuss issues which need to be considered in the assessment of the utility of using training devices for proficiency assessment. Recommendations were provided for future research planning. (Author)