Simulated Network Effects on Tactical Operations on Decision Making

As the U.S. military transitions to network-enabled operations, there is a need for systematic investigation into how human decision-making affects and is affected by the resulting rapid increase in communications and information flow [1]. The challenges associated with Big Data (volume, variety, velocity and veracity) become relevant for Soldier performance at the Mission Command and squad leader levels. Here we explore the relationship between two Big Data variables and human cognitive performance, particularly in the military domain. We conduct two experiments in which we manipulate the amount and rate (volume and velocity) of information presented to participants, and assess the participants' decision-making accuracy on different military-relevant tasks. The first experiment focuses on the squad leader and is conducted in ARL's Immersive Cognitive Readiness Simulator (ICoRS), which allows replication of the environment of a squad leader. The second experiment focuses on the role of a company commander and simulates the Mission Command environment. We present preliminary results from both phases of study and discuss future work in which participants in each phase of study interact with each other and cooperate to complete a task.