The Efficacy of Training in a Complex and Dynamic Simulated Air to Ground Search and Destroy Mission

The efficacy of training was evaluated in a simulated complex task environment. Eight pilots with military (fighter aircraft) experience were trained to perform primary and secondary tasks in an air to ground search and destroy mission. The training protocol utilized is described and evaluated with respect to performance measures at the beginning of the experiment compared to identical post experimental trials. The results indicate that the pilots were trained effectively under this protocol in performing the primary tasks required. Secondary task differences accounted for the majority of variance seen between the pre and post trials. Specific performance benefits in the secondary task are discussed.