Information Technology for the Soldier: The Human Factor

Abstract

Approved for public release; distribution unlimited.ii REPORT DOCUMENTATION PAGE Public reporting burden for this collection of information is estimated to average 1 hour per response, including the time for reviewing instructions, searching existing data sources, gathering and maintaining the data needed, and completing and reviewing the collection information. Send comments regarding this burden estimate or any other aspect of this collection of information, including suggestions for reducing the burden, to Department of Defense, Washington Headquarters Services, Directorate for Information Operations and Reports (0704-0188), 1215 Jefferson Davis Highway, Suite 1204, Arlington, VA 22202-4302. Respondents should be aware that notwithstanding any other provision of law, no person shall be subject to any penalty for failing to comply with a collection of information if it does not display a currently valid OMB control number. PLEASE DO NOT RETURN YOUR FORM TO THE ABOVE ADDRESS. REPORT DATE (DD-MM-YYYY) May 20052. REPORT TYPE ARL-TR-3525 SPONSOR/MONITOR'S ACRONYM(S) 9. SPONSORING/MONITORING AGENCY NAME(S) AND ADDRESS(ES)U.S. Army Research Laboratory 2800 Powder Mill Road Adelphi, MD 20783-1197 SPONSOR/MONITOR'S REPORT NUMBER(S) DISTRIBUTION/AVAILABILITY STATEMENTApproved for public release; distribution unlimited. SUPPLEMENTARY NOTES ABSTRACTThe Future Force is the linchpin of the Army's modernization plan. It is a concept embracing the integration of new technology, especially information technology, and revolutionary operational concepts to create a force that totally dominates future land operations across the full spectrum of military operations. The Department of Defense Horizontal Fusion portfolio supports the Future Force goal of revolutionizing the digitization and distribution of information to all echelons, including the rifleman at the edge of battle. This report briefly describes a novel system for providing distributed information technology at the warrior's edge, Soldier reactions to the system, and a critical human factors challenge to such a system's use.

Electronic Forms-Based Computing for Evidentiary Analysis

“…-for an upcoming flight. The Warrior's Edge Soldier System (WESS) is another system which has been developed to provide situational awareness for both soldiers and command (Walrath 2005). The system provides a method for blue force tracking (or tracking of friendly personnel) by allowing collaboration between both soldiers in the field and those at the base.…”