Multitasking in the military: Cognitive consequences and potential solutions

Abstract

Multitasking-the performance of several tasks at the same time-is becoming increasingly prevalent in workplaces. Multitasking is known to disrupt performance, particularly in complex and dynamic situations, which is exactly what most military occupations entail. Because military errors can be consequential, the detrimental impact of multitasking on cognitive functioning in such contexts should be taken seriously. This review pertains to high-consequence military occupations that require strong multitasking skills. More specifically, it highlights cognitive challenges arising from different forms of multitasking and discusses their underlying cognitive processes. Because such challenges are not expected to diminish, this review proposes context-relevant solutions to decrease occupational workload, either by reducing the cognitive load ensuing from the to-be-performed tasks or by improving soldiers' multitasking abilities. To ensure effective implementation of these solutions, we stress the need to design context-adapted tools and procedures, and to guide human resource managers in developing particular strategies.

EEG Theta Power Activity Reflects Workload among Army Combat Drivers: An Experimental Study

“…These challenges are not present in on-road civilian driving. Furthermore, military drivers, unlike civilian ones, are often asked to multitask-simultaneously maintaining situational awareness, monitoring communications, and discriminating between enemy and friendly targets [10,18,21]. The information processing capacity in humans is limited and the cognitive demands imposed on warfighters are increasing.…”

“…Military training is of the same nature as military operations (often risky and unpredictable) and may involve extreme exertion, caloric deficit, and sleep restrictions. Overall, military training produces quantifiable and specific effects on the warfighter, including functional [16,17] and cognitive improvements [13][14][15]17,18]. Military training also has a long-lasting influence on critical everyday behaviors, such as driving [19,20].…”

“…For example, army combat drivers are taught how to safely operate different vehicles, from motorbikes to tactical vehicles, such as light multirole vehicles (LMVs), in all kinds of operational situations, from driving on sealed highways to tactical, off-road navigation. Furthermore, unlike in civilian driving, military drivers are asked and trained to multitask [18], for example, maneuvering on complex terrain environments as well as driving while monitoring communications and discriminating between enemy and friendly targets [10,21]. Thus, army combat drivers become better able to deal with overload situations [22,23].…”

Who can best find Waldo? Exploring individual differences that bolster performance in a security surveillance microworld

“…A large amount of work has been published regarding the impact of cognitive and personality individual differences on factors such as motivation and work performance (e.g., Judge et al, 2007; Kanfer & Ackerman, 1989; Kuncel et al, 2010). Generally, personnel selection tests are deemed useful to assess or predict on‐the‐job performance by identifying relevant cognitive processes or personality traits useful to the main tasks performed in the workplace (e.g., Chérif et al, 2018; Morris et al, 2015). As such, one must consider which skills may lend themselves well to the task of surveillance, as this could help inform personnel recruitment and, in turn, optimize work performance.…”

“…Given that these limitations represent individual differences that vary from person to person, a good starting point for the introduction of psychometric testing in CCTV operations might be to assess applicants' ability on the cognitive factors relevant for this job. Such a strategy is, for instance, employed in the context of personnel selection in the military and in other cognitively challenging domains such as air traffic control and piloting (e.g., Chérif et al, 2018; Taylor et al, 2005).…”