ADELPHI, Md. – An Army research team designed enhancements to a data-mining capability, consolidating what may be the Army's largest collection of training data that will allow researchers and leaders, for the first time, to exploit and transform U.S. Army Combat Training Centers data to improve readiness and optimize Soldiers’ decision-making.
The U.S. Army Capabilities Development Command, known as DEVCOM, Army Research Laboratory data fundamental researchers created a secure database that enables the analysis of training performance data and pinpoint where more training or changes are needed, while assisting trainers in rethinking training models and providing researchers increased opportunities for integrating experimentation with artificial intelligence tools.
“By curating and analyzing this data, we can maximize the allocation of military resources—from personnel to supplies and vehicles—while identifying gaps in our training and doctrine,” said Ronald Holben, DEVCOM ARL program manager. “CTC data mining represents a critical opportunity for the Army to help shape the adaptation of new tactics, techniques and procedures and allows CTCs to modernize their data and become more data-centric.”
Transforming data into actionable insights
According to Holben, this platform uniquely captures both contextual, or observed, qualitative data and instrumented data, or quantitative information directly captured by sensors, devices or instruments, used during live training exercises.
The contextual data consists of trainers’ assessments and reports, which help understand Soldier actions, reactions and the choices they make on the training battlefields. This data provides a more complete picture of the instrumented data.
At the corps level, researchers can identify key trends across similar brigades to generate untapped observations. These insights can inform training outcomes for Army corps and divisions.
By examining sensor inputs in new combinations, researchers can develop comparative forms of analysis. This effort enables the assessment of Transformation in Contact, or TiC units, by allowing scientists to compare trends with outcomes, based on new or emerging equipment and training.
“Analyzing training contributes to savings lives on the real battlefield,” said Holben. “This data improves unit awareness, Soldiers’ preparedness, confidence and lethality. We want to show the value of what happens in the training through the data.”
Leveraging CTC data to improve decision-making
This new platform helps decision-making through analyzing long-term training trends. It can also aid in predicting logistical needs and prioritizing resources in the field, saving time, personnel and finances.
"Having access to the largest tactical training data set in the Army, along with an understanding of the current friction points that hinder our Soldiers, is essential for enabling our research and development efforts,” said Brian Burbank, ARL contractor and assistant project manager.
The effort, championed by Lt. Gen. Curtis Taylor, the former commanding general of the National Training Center, began when ARL investigated how to access the data outside of the live CTC-Instrumentation System platform.
This exploration led to a partnership with the Capability Program Executive Simulation, Training, Test & Threat, Project Manager Training Devices and Product Manager CTC-IS, who are responsible for managing the Army's instrumentation systems. This collaboration resulted in ARL’s design of the new searchable, off-line version.
Refining the system with possible transition with possible transition
Holben and his team are continuing to refine the system, adding more users, while enabling expansion of fundamental research in the areas of artificial intelligence and machine learning.
ARL’s goal is to transition this capability to the wider Army research and analysis community, transforming how data is generated, captured and shared.
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DEVCOM ARL is the Army’s sole fundamental research laboratory serving as the nexus of science between the military, academia and industry. Operating under U.S. Army Futures and Concepts Command and the U.S. Army Transformation and Training Command, ARL executes globally recognized research to accelerate delivery of war-winning, disruptive technologies for tomorrow’s Army.
For information, visit the Army Research Laboratory website.
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