A module for employing human systems integration into the Rapid Equipping Force (REF)

Abstract

The rapidly changing complexity of the Global War on Terrorism has changed the approach to equipping forward deployed military forces. Combatant Commanders conducting operations now require timely materiel solutions to enhance mission capabilities and reduce risk for individual Soldiers. To address this challenge the U.S. Army established the Rapid Equipping Force (REF) to assess emerging requirements, to propose solutions to those requirements, and to implement those solutions in an expdient time frame. Unfortunately, the REF lacks a consistent analytical methodology for developing alternative materiel solutions. To address the need for a Human Systems Integration analysis method, the authors developed an Assessment Based Rapid Acquisition HSI Analysis Tool (ABRAHAM) capable of generating tailored surveys and evaluating these surveys for unacceptable risks to Soldiers. To validate ABRAHAM's concept and content, ABRAHAM was showcased in three Department of Defense settings, the Human Factors Engineering Technical Advisory Group, the REF, and the United States Marine Corps' Operational Test and Evaluation Activity. The ABRAHAM appears to fill a gap in the current library of HSI tools. Based on the feedback provided during the product showcases, there is sufficient interest and tech nological maturity to futher develop ABRAHAM to serve both the traditional and rapid acquisition processes.