LeatherNet: an evaluation as a mission planning and briefing tool

Abstract

The author evaluates LeatherNet, a Distributed Interactive Simulation compliant, virtual simulation system being developed by the Advanced Research Projects Agency to demonstrate Modeling and Simulation(M&S) technologies and to partially fulfill the U. S. Marine Corps M&S goals. The research focuses on evaluation of LeatherNet as a mission planning and briefing tool for Marine infantry company commanders, staff, and subordinate leaders. Evaluation is based on user perception and user performance on a live fire range subsequent to using the system. The user surveys indicate high user acceptance and belief that LeatherNet is a valuable mission planning and briefing tool and that LeatherNet has a good potential to be an effective training tool for commanders and their staffs. User performance, evaluated by subject matter experts on a live fire range, showed no statistically significant improvement for groups exposed to LeatherNet when compared to groups that did not use LeatherNet. The author explains why true differences, even if they do exist, would be difficult to detect due to the lack of experimental control and recommends action to be taken by the Marine Corps to conduct further testing with greater experimental control. The author also suggests steps the Marine Corps can take to optimize its investment in M&S.