Applications of the Universal Joint Task List to Joint Exercise Results

Abstract

The foundation of readiness is training. The Chairman, Joint Chiefs of Staff (CJCS) Joint Training Program institutes methods for identifying training requirements through review of the Commander-in-Chief’s (CINC) missions and the compilation of Joint Mission Essential Task Lists. The Universal Joint Task List comprehensively outlines these joint essential tasks, providing a summary of CINC missions, joint tasks, and corresponding supporting and enabling tasks. Computer aided exercises (CAXs) are tools available for monitoring and training a staff in these tasks. CAXs are an essential part of staff training, although one of their major weaknesses is their inability to accurately measure the level of training received by the players. This paper develops an exercise analysis methodology for evaluating critical event causal audit trails. Specific objectives are to determine quantifiable measures of effectiveness designed to work with data manipulated by computer simulations and to test MOEs using the Joint Theater Level Simulation (JTLS). This includes the development of post-exercise analysis techniques for wargame data. This paper provides a methodology for extracting appropriate data from a CAX to develop causal audit trails for critical events. The results of a CAX will then be more available for trend analysis and feedback.