A Mission-Specific Equipment Optimization Toolkit (MEOT) for the Dismounted Infantryman

PROJECT DESCRIPTION

MEOT addresses the need to assess Cost/Benefit tradeoffs of equipment depending upon mission requirements. New technologies for the Warfighter often do not consider mission-specific interactions between equipment, environment, and Warfighter performance. There is a Christmas Tree Effect: each new piece of equipment is often added to the load of the individual infantryman with little regard to functional interactions or mobility. Integration of all equipment with task performance requirements needs to be considered in light of load bearing capability, mobility, and overall mission objectives.

MEOT has several primary goals:

• Develop a realistic 3-D model of the Marine to assess cost/benefit tradeoffs of various equipment options
• Provide accurate, detailed information to the user and the mission planner, to assist in the identification and mitigation of potential mission performance issues
• Develop a toolkit based on the model which can be used in lieu of costly field testing to:
• Determine equipment cost/benefit tradeoffs for mission planning
• Develop new technologies and procedures (as a virtual test-bed)
• Determine optimal dispersion of equipment across a team
• Identify human performance optimization trade-offs for meeting specific mission objectives

THE PROBLEMS

Many human performance equations are based upon laboratory studies which require field validation. Integration of scientific data needs to be done, transparently, effectively and efficiently for mission planners. Some models require measurements of internal physiological states. Few field studies have investigated the cognitive component of a patrol during and following the patrol, and the interaction with physiology.

Approach

MEOT provides a map based interface to explore mission requirements and conditions by incorporating GIS data including elevation and terrain on targeted environment as well as detailed information on meteorological conditions. MEOT then calculates human performance costs against these conditions. This allows the mission planner to explore details of selected routes and explore alternative routes, waypoints. The program provides anticipated costs (calories, hydration, etc) and advisory information on selected routes.

GOALS

Enhanced mission effectiveness and training efficiency, improved speed and efficacy of planning and plan evaluation, and provide accurate detailed estimation of mission costs.