Evaluating the Effects of Clothing and Individual Equipment on Marksmanship Performance Using a Novel Five Target Methodology

Abstract

Any item of Warfighter-borne clothing and individual equipment (CIE) must not interfere with the Warfighter’s ability to quickly and accurately engage targets with their weapon. This paper describes the development of a novel test methodology for evaluating the effect of CIE on marksmanship performance using a weapon simulator system. Eleven military test participants executed the test methodology in a baseline condition and in a CIE test condition which included the M40 Chemical-Biological protective mask. Marksmanship performance variables analyzed included precision, radial error, total engagement time, aiming time, and movement time, as well as subjective interference ratings. There were no significant differences between the No Mask and M40 Mask conditions for precision or radial error, however, participants experienced significantly longer engagement and movement times while wearing the M40 mask. These results suggest the test methodology is sensitive enough to provide valuable insights regarding the effects of CIE on marksmanship performance.

Shooting Stability: A Critical Component of Marksmanship Performance as Measured through Aim Path and Trigger Control

“…A repeated measures experimental design was used for this data collection. Prior to commencing the collection period, all TPs were required to complete a simulator familiarization and qualification protocol for FN Expert simulator system as established by McNamara et al (2016). This training included a verbal explanation of the equipment, procedures, and a 30 shot qualification test.…”

Comparison of the Effects of Software Zeroing on Performance While Using Two Sighting Technologies in a Marksmanship Simulator

“…Based on the results seen in this study, it appears that software zeroing the weapon when using the FN Expert simulator system is important for accuracy during slow-paced, deliberate single target shooting scenarios, but not necessary during more active engagements. Removing the zeroing process from the multiple target and dynamic methodology created for use in CIE evaluations (Brown, McNamara & Mitchell, unpublished;McNamara et al, 2016) will help to streamline the methods and reduce wait time between events. This is important especially when the marksmanship methodology is to be conducted in quick succession with other performance events in order to simulate multiple phases of a military mission scenario.…”

“…Marksmanship proficiency has been used as an operationally relevant performance measure for both training qualifications and assessment of military equipment (Adams, 2010;Bensel, 1997;Bewley, Chung & Girlie, 2006;Carbone, Carlton, Stierli, & Orr, 2014;Headquarters DOA, 2014;Garrett, Jarboe, Patton & Mullins, 2005;Johnson & Kobrick, 1997;Johnson, McMenemy & Dauphinee, 1990;Krueger & Banderet, 1997;Son, Xia & Tochihara, 2010;Taylor & Orlansky, 1991). Recently, methodologies to assess the effects of clothing and individual equipment (CIE) on marksmanship performance have been established using the Fabrique National (FN) American simulator systems (formerly Noptel Oy) (Brown et al, 2016;Brown, McNamara, & Mitchell, unpublished;Choi et al, 2016;McNamara et al, 2016). These methodologies provide a more cost effective and efficient way to evaluate CIE compatibility and effects on performance, without the safety concerns and risks that are associated with live-fire, while still being more realistic and operationally relevant and allows for a more objective measure, as compared to the static mock weapon-CIE interface assessments.…”

“…This study was conducted to determine if system software zeroing is necessary prior to conducting marksmanship performance testing with the FN Expert simulator system. In addition, this study looked at two types of sighting technologies (iron sight and optical) to determine which has the least amount of variability in performance, in order to maximize benefits during use in the marksmanship methodologies established to evaluate CIE (Brown et al, 2016;Brown, McNamara, & Mitchell, unpublished;McNamara et al, 2016).…”

Dynamic Marksmanship: A Novel Methodology to Evaluate the Effects of Clothing and Individual Equipment on Mission Performance

“…A novel marksmanship methodology using the Fabrique National (FN) MilTrainer simulation system was developed specifically for use during CIE product development and evaluation (McNamara et al, 2016). This methodology expanded the typical single target static shooting event into a 5-target static event, requiring the participants to transition both horizontally and vertically to acquire and engage the targets.…”