Book Description

"Requirements are described for research on the effects of signal realities on Army warfighters to minimize their frequency of occurrence and adverse impacts. Signal realities are defined as degradation of electronic communications and automation capabilities as can occur during tactical operations under actual dynamic battlefield conditions. This report analyzes the realities and consequences of battlefield communications degradation; Signal Branch roles in combat; warfighter tendencies to overlook signal realities during operations and exclude realistic communications problems from training; and behavioral science literature on this topic. Based on this information, research goals are specified to identify and clarify effects of degraded signal on battle processes and outcomes; how procedures might be modified to avoid, or adjusted to overcome, these effects; interdependent relationships between signal and warfighter tasks when conducting collective missions, and those tasks best accomplished jointly; and how to improve, through training, battlefield tactical operations supported by signal equipment capabilities. Research areas supporting these goals are then discussed. These include specifying the impacts of communications capability on battle processes and outcomes; identifying training requirements; answering related training research questions and concerns; exploring possible changes in soldier functions, duties, and organization; and developing tools to aid digital battlefield performance."--DTIC.