A training needs analysis into map use in a military context

[摘要] ENGLISH ABSTRACT:The primary objective of the South African National Defence force is theprotection of its citizens against external threats. The nature of the work,especially in operational situations, very often causes members of the SANDFto work in remote and unknown territory. The SANDF is composed ofdifferent units such as the army, air force and navy. All of these units typicallycontrol a specific aspect of the environment, especially in operationalsituations, and is very often also geographically spread over a large area.The battle commander would typically be in charge of all these units and mustdirect and control them efficiently towards achieving their assigned mission.In order to be an effective battle commander, the commander must thus beable to understand the terrain that his/her units are operating in, and maps areoften the only information to base such understanding on. Map use is thus acritical success factor in effective battle command, and also for every memberof the units navigating the often unknown terrain.The aim of the study is to conduct an investigation into the status quo of mapuse proficiency in the military, and specifically the South African NationalArmy. The investigation comprises the following:• To conducting a detailed task analysis into map use in a militarycontext, in order to establish specific map use functions and relatedskills regarded as critical in the military context.• The development of a proficiency test, taking the form of aquestionnaire, based on the skills identified in the task analysis.Comparing the results of the questionnaire with map use skillsidentified in the task analysis, to determine the level of map useproficiency in military context.The secondary aims of the study comprise the following:• To investigate the level of map use training and determine if a needexists in term of additional map use training in the military, based onsubjective opinions.• To investigate the level of computer literacy and the need for formalcomputer training in the military context.The key conclusions of the study are the following:• A gap between optimal and actual performance has been identified interms of map use in the military context.• This gap can largely be attributed to insufficient structures andprocesses within the military context to facilitate effective map use.

[发布机构] Stellenbosch University