Assessing the Effectiveness of the Close Combat Tactical Trainer

This report summarizes a project conducted to develop a methodology to evaluate collective training devices and apply that methodology to the Close Combat Tactical Trainer (CCTT). CCTT is a complex collective training device; there are significant cost and operational management issues in performing a controlled training transfer study or effectiveness evaluation. The study developed a qualitative method for performing qualitative effectiveness assessments and used it to evaluate the effectiveness of CCTT. The methodology was demonstrated to be effective. Based on analysis of feedback and perceptions acquired during data collection visits to units and fixed sites the consensus opinion of users is that CCTT is performing the mission for which it was designed. Users have embraced the technology, are enthusiastic proponents as well as eager users, and have little criticism of the simulator technology, the overall training environment, or site operations. CCTT is a critical capability that provides a step or gate in preparing for major live training events. Users do not rate the importance of training in CCTT as highly as field training. Planning for CCTT exercises and command oversight of those activities varies significantly by unit.Army Research Inst for the Behavioral and Social Sciences Alexandria VA is the author of 'Assessing the Effectiveness of the Close Combat Tactical Trainer', published 2004 under ISBN 9781423515753 and ISBN 1423515757.