Ruffner, J. W., Antonio, J. D., Joralmon, D. Q, and Martin, E. (in press). Night vision goggle training technologies and situational awareness. Proceedings of the Advanced Technology Electronic Defense System (ATEDS) Conference / Tactical Situational Awareness (SA) Symposium, San Diego, CA.
Contact
Information:
DCS POC: Dr. John W. Ruffner (ext 243) jruffner@dcscorp.com
Phone number:
(703) 683-8430 FAX number: (703) 836-6509
Address:
DCS Corporation, 1330 Braddock Place, Alexandria, Virginia 22314
Abstract:
The use of night vision goggles (NVGs) can enhance military and civilian aviation and ground operations at night, allowing increased mobility and safety. Additionally, the ability to see the world in a more normal way with NVGs aids situational awareness (SA). However, with this increased capability has come the requirement to provide suitable training. Results from field experience and accident analysis suggest that problems experienced by NVG users can be largely attributed to a limited understanding of NVG limitations and to perceptual problems. Additionally, there are some indications that NVG skills may be highly perishable and require frequent practice. Limited formal training is available to help NVG users obtain the required knowledge and skills. However, there often are insufficient opportunities to obtain and practice perceptual skills prior to using NVGs in the operational environment. Research and experience have shown that NVG user need early and continued exposure to the night environment across a broad range of visual and operational conditions to develop and maintain the necessary perceptual skills and to develop SA. A broad range of training technologies has been employed or proposed to produce effective introductory NVG training. These include classroom instruction; eye-lane training; terrain model board training; computer-based training (CBT); web-based training (WBT); and simulation. In his paper we provide an overview of NVG introductory training technologies and provide examples of their application to the individual warfighter, ground vehicle, and aviation environments. Finally, we provide recommendations about how the technologies should be used and integrated to produce effective training and enhance SA.