Retention of Digital Skills: Command Post of the Future

Abstract

The new generation of Army command-post digital systems, e.g., Command Post of the Future (CPOF), increasingly utilizes non-linear interfaces. Non-linear interfaces use a customizable workspace that is based on the user's needs rather than a static data format, and interaction with the interface is not based on prescribed or hierarchical sequences of steps. These characteristics of CPOF as well as the type of training typically received on the system suggested that CPOF skills should be susceptible to retention loss. This paper describes the results of a CPOF-skill retention experiment. Thirty-six Soldiers from CPOF training at two battle command training centers completed a skills test immediately following training and again five weeks after training. Although retention of CPOF skills was fairly robust, differences among the patterns of individual-skill retention were found. In addition, differences were found in CPOF-skill retention across types of skills. The pattern of retention was then used to identify the specific skills and the progression of skills that are critical in developing CPOF expertise. 15. SUBJECT TERMS Stability Operations, joint Interagency, Intergovernmental and multinational training, training themes, HASE, JIIM, thematic analysis SECURITY CLASSIFICATION OF 19. LIMITATION OF ABSTRACT 20. NUMBER OF PAGES