Instructional Strategies for Training Military-Relevant Perceptual-Cognitive Skills

Abstract

at Santa Barbara A growing body of research evidence suggests that essential perceptual-cognitive skills can be enhanced through training. Despite this success, at present, these skills have been studied in relative isolation and across many domains, resulting in a research literature that lacks a coherent framework for clearly matching specific perceptual skills to specific training interventions. In response, this paper reviews the available literature that investigates the effectiveness of interventions aimed at training military-relevant perceptualcognitive skills (e.g., situation awareness, anticipatory skills), organizes these interventions and skills into a usable framework, and provides concrete, research-based recommendations for training specific skills.

Quiet Eye Training Improves Small Arms Maritime Marksmanship

“…Indeed, the present study builds on previous research demonstrating that quiet eye training can improve the performance of elite shooters in a moving-target task (i.e., shotgun shooting; Causer et al, 2011), and is first to demonstrate that quiet eye training interventions can also help novices acquire the visuomotor skills necessary to accurately intercept a moving target. Furthermore, the present study is the first to test the utility of a quiet eye training intervention in the military domain, thereby answering calls for research investigating the effectiveness of interventions aimed at training military-relevant perceptual-cognitive skills in order to enhance military training (Chung et al, 2006;Vogel-Walcutt et al, 2013). The gaze data revealed a similar pattern of results (see Figure 3).…”

“…There are a number of specialist areas within the military where efficiently learning and successfully performing visually guided motor tasks is important for operational effectiveness. Indeed, a number of authors have called for research investigating the effectiveness of interventions aimed at training military-relevant perceptualcognitive skills in order to enhance military training (Chung, Delacruz, de Vries, Bewley, & Baker, 2006;Vogel-Walcutt, Fiorella, & Malone, 2013). An obvious area to initially focus such research is military marksmanship training, where work to date has predominately focused on technical aspects related to performance (e.g., weapon movements and postural balance; Mononen, Viitasalo, Konttinen, & Era, 2003;Mononen, Konttinen, Viitasalo, & Era, 2007).…”

Neurocognitive Performance is Not Degraded After Stellate Ganglion Block Treatment for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder: A Case Series

“…22 In addition, military-relevant perceptual-cognitive skills have been identified. 23 Therefore, it is not difficult to deduce that superior performance on a battery of neurocognitive tests may translate to enhanced combat effectiveness or combat survivability, although this would be difficult to quantify. In addition, patients who were administered the PVT test 1-hour following their SGB demonstrated improved reaction times, suggesting that SGB is unlikely to have any negative impact upon reaction times, either immediately after SGB or at the 1-to 3-week mark.…”